The Wire

The long-standing debate about mulesing between US animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and Australian Wool Growers, has intensified. Wool Producers Australia says no farmers should bother dealing with PETA because they cannot be trusted, but their splinter group, Australian Wool Growers Association, has defied this and struck a deal with PETA to phase out mulesing. The Australian Wool Innovation has also taken PETA to court for encouraging US fashion retailers to boycott Aussie wool and causing the industry to lose profits. With two weeks until the trial’s verdict, both sides are eagerly awaiting the outcome. To defend their actions, Alex Parry speaks to Paula Hough in PETA’s Virginia USA offices, Wool Producers executive director Greg Weller, and chairman of the Australian Wool Growers Association Chick Olsson.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Australian Wool Growers Association
Wool Producers Australia