Wool boycott call over Australian lamb 'mutilation'

ANIMAL rights activists were due to take to the streets of Edinburgh today to urge shoppers to boycott Australian wool.

Members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) were due to protest outside the Australian Consul in George Street as part of an international campaign against the Australian wool industry. Protesters were set to call on consumers to boycott Australian wool until "mulesing" - the live flaying of lambs to reduce maggot infestation - and live sheep exports is banned.

Campaign co-ordinator Yvonne Taylor said:

"Australia’s war on sheep is a national disgrace. Britons can help stop the abuse by sending a message they won’t buy articles made from Australian wool until the mutilation of lambs and live export of sheep are stopped."

Peta declared an international boycott of Australian wool last October.