PETA bans merino wool

Animal rights activists People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) are campaigning against of the use of Australian merino wool. Thanks to PETA's efforts, US retailer Abercrombie & Fitch has already rid its collections of Australian wool garments.

The group is planning protests at four US-based Australian consulates and the Australian Embassy in Washington D.C. over the next month. PETA is demanding the halt of export of live animals and the process of mulesing, which entails cutting the loose flesh from the hindquarters of a lamb.

The Australian industry body Australian Wool Innovation launched legal action against the group after it boycotted Abercrombie & Fitch, in a bid to stop PETA from pressuring retailers.