US pop star Pink has backed a campaign against the Australian practice of mulesing. Pink admitted that she had not done proper research before joining the campaign by the US-based People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
In a four-minute PETA video last year, Pink branded the practice of sheep ‘mulesing’ as ‘sadistic’ and insisted not to buy products labeled ‘merino wool’ or ‘made in Australia.’
Over this Australian government was annoyed and Treasurer Peter Costello, said, ‘I don’t know if Pink is an expert on the sheep industry. You know, Pink is entitled to her views but at the end of the day would Australia’s farmers take advice from Pink?’
But after receiving a letter from Australian sheep farmers and being advised that they planned to phase out ‘mulesing’ by 2010, Pink told Australia’s Nine Network television she had not been fully informed.
Pink said,
I probably could have been a lot more researched, on my own. That’s the lesson I’m taking from this. My message was, in my mind, boycott animal cruelty — not an entire industry, not Australia, obviously, because it’s my favorite country.
Then going back, I was speaking without thinking and I actually did say ban Australia, which is bullshit. It’s not something that I can agree with.
I have nothing against farmers. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania. I don’t want to hurt anyone, I just want the animals to hurt less.
Pink’s backing from the campaign has pleased the wool industry. The president of Wool Producers, Robert Peach, says he is glad Pink has backed away from her earlier comments.
‘She’s been totally caught out and we appreciate that she’s retracted it,’ he said.
