I am writing in response to recent comments by Natasha Wing regarding the investigation into the abuse of sheep within the sheep-shearing industry (“Who is really pulling the wool over whose eyes?”, NDL, August 1).
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PETA US’s video expose highlights just some of the cruelty observed in all 19 shearing sheds visited by investigators, who documented that 70 workers employed by nine shearing contractors abused sheep in Victoria and New South Wales – Australia’s top wool-producing states – and South Australia.
The video footage that has been publicly released is just a small part of the many hours of abuse that were documented by investigators.
All that footage is now in the hands of the relevant authorities.
This is not about an isolated incident.
The investigators uncovered systemic abuse in shearing sheds which previous whistleblowers have tried and failed to bring to the attention of the industry, authorities and the public.
These abuses were well-known by crew supervisors and even station managers. Those who had the power to stop the abuses immediately did not.
The Shearing Contractors’ Association of Australia has acknowledged the culture of abuse within its industry.
Attempts by others to downplay the horrific abuse of sheep in shearing sheds does little to help this organisation’s attempts to address these issues, which they have thanked PETA US for bringing to the public’s attention.
It is not possible to produce commercial quantities of wool humanely, because markets require a greater amount than all the caring sheep guardians together can possibly contribute from their flocks.
PETA Australia, our affiliates and other animal-advocacy groups continue to work for stronger regulations and to demand stricter enforcement of the laws that do exist, but because the cruelty is so entrenched, the only way for caring consumers to avoid contributing to these animals’ suffering is to refuse to wear any wool.
Claire Fryer
Campaign Co-ordinator
PETA Australia