SINCE the release of PETA US’s damning video exposé into the abuse of sheep in Australian and American shearing sheds, there has been a barrage of misinformation and sometimes blatant falsehoods from the industry and Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce.
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Regrettably, even the CEO of RSPCA NSW has misconstrued some of the findings, although we remain confident that the RSPCA is taking the extensive evidence of the abuse very seriously.
Instead of soundly condemning the cruelty, apologists for this industry are turning on those who took video footage of sheep being punched, stamped on and jabbed in the face with sharp clippers.
At all times, the investigators had consent to enter and remain on the properties and used the cameras openly much of the time.
The investigators did not make any misrepresentations regarding their intended use of the video footage.
Nor did the investigators identify and deliberately investigate “bad” crews.
In shearing sheds in all three Australian states, without exception, sheep were cruelly abused.
In order to expose institutionalised cruelty, it must be documented.
Since those in a position to do something about the abuse have turned a blind eye for decades, that’s precisely what this investigation has done.
In order to stop the abuse, it must be proved that it is systemic and entrenched.
The comprehensive evidence – including video footage of 235 incidents recorded in Victoria alone and more than 40 pages of formal legal complaints – has done just that.
An RSPCA policy officer has made statements supportive of the manner in which evidence of systemic abuse was gathered over a substantial period of time, and the Shearing Contractors Association of Australia has praised the investigation.
As soon as the full international investigation was done, evidence was submitted to authorities in every relevant jurisdiction with requests that the incidents be investigated and all appropriate charges brought.
It is clear from these investigations that Australian and US consumers have had the “wool pulled over their eyes” for too long.
With so many warm, luxurious plant- or synthetic-based materials available, there’s simply no excuse for torturing sheep.
PETA Australia and its affiliates around the world call on compassionate people everywhere to watch the video exposé and judge for themselves.
I’m sure that they will choose to leave woollen items off their shopping lists.
Jason Baker
Director of Campaigns
PETA Australia
