2008 News
Perry Ellis International prepared to reconsider position on clips
29 April 2008
Wool retailer Perry Ellis International has today confirmed to the Australian Wool and Sheep Industry Taskforce (Taskforce) that it is prepared to meet with wool industry representatives to discuss the welfare benefits of the clips technology (clips) to review its reported position.
“The reported decision by Perry Ellis International to reject the clips was disappointing,” said Dr Norman Blackman, Manager of the Taskforce.
“The Taskforce contacted Perry Ellis International overnight to seek clarification as to why it had provided the statement to the US based animal activist group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
“In our discussions it became clear that the company had prepared the statement without access to a balanced presentation of all the facts about mulesing, the arrangements for phasing out mulesing and the alternatives to be implemented,” said Dr Blackman.
The outcome of the discussion is that Perry Ellis International will meet with wool industry representatives in early May to discuss the welfare benefits of the clips with a view to reviewing its position based on the available facts.
“I am very pleased Perry Ellis International is prepared to review its position on the basis of sound scientific evidence about the welfare of clips, and not fear of PETA,” continued Dr Blackman.
“Retailers understand that the continued supply of high quality apparel wool is likely to be dependent on the ability to use the clips technology.
“This is a key point being made in our presentations to retailers in both Europe and North America, as well as the fact that the phase out of mulesing by 31 December 2010 is firmly on track.
“Formal feedback from these seminars has been very positive, with retailers appreciating the up-todate information the Taskforce has provided on the mulesing phase out and the alternative flystrike prevention methods being developed by the industry,” concluded Dr Blackman.