Continuing its campaign against 'mulesing', People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) staged a protest this evening outside the Designer Award 2011 Finalist show, part of Melbourne Fashion Week sponsored by Woolmark. Two women wearing heart-shaped signs were accompanied by other campaigners holding placards reading 'No more mulesed wool', and others distributed leaflets.
Earlier, PETA had emailed more than 5oo stud merino breeders calling on them to act to stop the practice -
From PETA's blog:
[quote]
More than 500 stud merino breeders in Australia received an unexpected e-mail last week: a letter from PETA Australia imploring them to take action to help end the cruel practice of “mulesing.” In a misguided attempt to control flystrike, farmers use instruments resembling gardening shears to cut huge chunks of flesh from sheep’s backsides, while others use clamps similar to vise grips (known as “clips”) to squeeze chunks of skin tightly together until the flesh dies and sloughs off weeks later.
.....
The worst part? It’s not necessary. Approximately 20 percent of Australian farmers already control flystrike with humane methods, such as breeding bare-breech and plain-bodied sheep.
In the letter, PETA Australia Director of Campaigns Jason Baker wrote, “It is up to each farmer and breeder to do the right thing – if not for the well-being of sheep, then for the future of your business – and stud merino breeders can be a vital part of making the transition.”
[end quote]
Those wanting a more graphic demonstration of what mulesing involves may wish to view the video available on this page, but should be aware it is not a pleasant sight - http://www.petaasiapacific.com/issues-nottowear-v-mulesing.asp?c=papblog
Comments
Why not naked men in sardine cans or wearing heart shapes?
I'm vegan and strongly support the liberation of animals but I do question why we have to have to use the bodies of women to make a point. Are there not other ways to make a point without objectifying the bodies of women? If we have to use the naked body to get people's attentions or make an inference to the pain animals experience why don't we see many males lying naked in sadine cans or wearing heart shapes as their main clothes?
Another misogynist action by PETA
Another misogynist action by PETA.
Stick to drinking coffee, talking shit & the farmers will farm
It's not hard to tell your city people who got no idea what you are talking about.
You stick to drinking coffee in St Kilda and talking shit and the farmers will farm
Sell skin and body image like the others to make your point
To the misogyny complainants...Don't be ridiculous....they are making a point in the world of the fashion world. Sorry girls but some other girls actually like fashion. Yes, some would say this makes them a little boring and potentially at the whim of male attention but nevertheless, if you are making a point at a fashion show, probably the best way to do it is sell what the rest of the place is selling - skin and the body image. Don't shoot the messenger. And don't confuse PETA with misogyny. It actually makes Misogyny a token subject by doing so.
And to the "farmer"...there are many ways to skin a cat. Sorry to be condescending but maybe learn how utilise the english language a little better and you may be able to look up alternative measures for treating flystrike.
Aren't women being molested here by using their naked bodies?
Aren't women being molested here by using their naked bodies to prove a point?
Robertson Sheila
123Fashions