Following the release of a new PETA US investigation into Australia's wool industry, it's clear that wool garments are likely the product of appalling animal suffering.

The investigators visited 19 wool sheds in Australia and documented that shearers punched struggling sheep, poked them in the eyes and routinely jabbed them in the face with sharp clippers – attacks which left many animals bleeding. Workers stamped on sheep and stood on their heads and necks. They dragged sheep by their legs and slammed them against the hard floors of the shearing sheds.

Because most shearers are paid by volume, not by the hour, they have an incentive to work as quickly as they can.

As a result, most sheep are cut – some severely – as they are being shorn. PETA US' investigator saw workers use needles and thread to sew shut the most gaping wounds, without providing the sheep with any pain relief whatsoever.

Kind people would agree that electrocuting a fox for fur is wrong. The pain and fear endured by sheep in the wool industry is as real and acute.

When you're shopping for clothing, please read the labels. If a label says "wool", leave that garment on the shelf.

Sincerely,

Jason Baker

Director of Campaigns

PETA Australia