Australian wool and sheep exporters fear that a decision by U.S. clothing retailer Abercrombie & Fitch in October to boycott Australian merino fiber won't gain favor with other retailers.
According to The Australian newspaper, Abercrombie's decision followed three months of talks with PETA, the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which threatened protests against the retailer if it did not support the boycott. PETA is urging other U.S. retailers to join the boycott, or face protests.
For its part, Abercrombie said it would not support the Australian merino market until Australian graziers stopped the controversial practice of mulesing young sheep and exporting live stock.
