2008 News
Australian Wool and Sheep Industry Taskforce calls on retailers to rely on facts not fear
28 April 2008
The Australian Wool and Sheep Industry Taskforce (Taskforce) today expressed its concern that Perry Ellis International had ignored animal welfare science in its decision to reject any use of the clips technology (clips) to protect sheep from the risk of blowfly strike.
“Clips have been an integral part of the program to develop alternate technologies to phase out mulesing by 2010,” said Taskforce Manager, Dr Norm Blackman.
“There is excellent research that demonstrates sheep show only a mild response to the use of the clips. Once this research has been peer reviewed the full report can be released. Retailers should exercise a little patience - it is part of good science to be cautious – and wait for the report before making assumptions on the clips. Perry Ellis International is reacting to misinformation from activists.
“The welfare studies show that the clips are a very good alternative from a welfare point of view, and that is where this industry wants to go.”
The Taskforce met with Hugo Boss on the 24th April in Stuttgart, Germany. The meeting was attended by Dr Norm Blackman, Australian Wool and Sheep Industry Taskforce Manager, Johann Mittermayr, AWI’s German Representative as well as Allen Bryce, Veterinary Counsellor, Australian Embassy in Brussels. The meeting was to inform Hugo Boss on the progress towards the phasing out of mulesing in 2010 and to clarify Hugo Boss’ position on the use of clips as a mulesing replacement.
After the meeting Dr Blackman said: “Hugo Boss clarified that it is not against the use of clips after 2010, contrary to the PETA statement. It is of the view that clips should be a temporary measure, to be phased out as soon as possible. The company recognises that clips will be required on a number of properties as an interim measure until genetic solutions the industry is investigating are in place.”
IC, a Danish company, is another retailer which PETA has reported as stating it is against the use of clips. “Our information is that this is incorrect,” said Dr Blackman. “IC has told the Taskforce that the statement in its website is correct. That is, the company has no position on clips, contrary to the statement put out by PETA”.
“We urge all journalists to treat PETA’s media releases with caution and to seek clarification at source on statements attributed to retailers. We have seen many times over the last four years that PETA misrepresents retailers’ positions on the mulesing issue,” said Dr Blackman.
In London Dr Blackman met with the British Retail Consortium: “The BRC is satisfied with progress on the developments of mulesing alternatives. It has planned workshops in the UK in June for retailers and spinners & weavers, to provide updates on the phase out of mulesing program and how it will impact on the supply chain. Similar seminars are planned for Europe.”
“The path to 2010 involves massive change within Australia and retailers, spinners and weavers need to understand this,” said Dr Blackman.
“The Taskforce will also relay messages back to wool growers about the change that their customers are now requiring. Retailers in the northern hemisphere are under increasing pressure from customers to review their ethical standards on a range of issues - wool is just one of them.”
The Taskforce is presenting at seminars for retailers this week in the US.