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hazeleyes
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| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 4:14 pm Post subject: Joaquin's Letter To Australia:Cruelty to Sheep Must Stop |
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 The Age.com
Joaquin penned a letter to Australia's Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran
Star slams Aussie sheep farmers
Two-time Oscar nominee Joaquin Phoenix has written to Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran demanding Australia "ensure the humane treatment" of sheep.
The Hollywood star is the latest celebrity recruited by US based People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for its campaign to halt the mulesing of sheep in Australia and the live export of sheep to the Middle East.
"I used to think wool came from animals who were merely sheared and allowed to live fairly decent lives," Phoenix wrote in his letter to McGauran.
"I was shocked to learn from my friends at PETA that Australian farmers cut huge chunks of flesh from lambs' backsides without any painkillers and cram sheep onto filthy, disease-ridden ships that take them to the Middle East, where they are cruelly slaughtered."
Phoenix, 32, argued there were techniques Australian farmers could use other than mulesing to prevent potentially deadly fly-strike.
"Why won't you please step in and push the wool industry to do the right thing, right now?" he asks McGauran.
" ... as the Minister for Agriculture, you are in a position to demand and ensure the humane treatment of animals.
"Please put an end to the two worst abuses of sheep who are raised for their wool by banning both mulesing and the export of live sheep to the Middle East."
Phoenix was nominated for his first Oscar in 2001 for his supporting role opposite Russell Crowe in Gladiator. He was nominated for a best actor Academy Award last year for his portrayal of country music legend Johnny Cash in Walk the Line.
AAP
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Lola
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| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 4:41 pm Post subject: |
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Animal abuse of any kind is totally unacceptable. This is so upsetting. Thank goodness for people like Joaquin who are not afraid to speak up and advocate for these creatures!
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Karen
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| Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2007 9:08 pm Post subject: |
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Yep, agree totally.
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Rosie
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| Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 2:12 am Post subject: |
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As busy as he is, and he still finds time to pen a letter... a lesson for me and many others...
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hazeleyes
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| Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 5:25 pm Post subject: |
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I am just the messenger:
The response from Australian sheep farmers
The Daily Telegraph - Australia
Farmers attack Joaquin Phoenix over sheep museling:
September 14, 2007 02:05pm
US actor Joaquin Phoenix, who played Cash in the Oscar winning Walk the Line, has attacked the controversial farming practice of mulesing.
Farmers have always had a soft spot for Johnny Cash but when it comes to his film star likeness they don't like what they're hearing.
"I used to think that wool came from animals who were merely sheared and allowed to live fairly decent lives," Phoenix said yesterday.
"I was shocked to learn from my friends at People for Ethical Treatment of Animals that Australian farmers cut huge chunks of skin and flesh from lambs' backsides without any painkillers."
Today, the Australian Livestock Export Animal Welfare Group, which represents grower groups, attacked Phoenix's comments as ill-informed.
"I'm sure Mr Phoenix researches his film roles," LiveCorp CEO Cameron Hall said in a statement.
"He should take the same level of care before criticising and potentially damaging a world leading Australian industry that supports the livelihoods of many farming families and communities."
Phoenix follows a long line of celebrities who have come out against mulesing, the last to speak out was pop singer Pink who later retracted her comments.
"Had Mr Phoenix seen an Australian livestock export vessel he would be well aware that all animals on board are loaded by professionals following strict calculations to determine pen density - giving all animals sufficient space to move around, lie down and access the constantly available food and water on board," Mr Hall said.
"He would know that every ship travelling to the Middle East has an Australian Quarantine Inspection Service accredited vet and stockman on board to monitor the welfare of the animals transported, and that each vessel has 'hospital pens' to care for sick animals.
"Mr Phoenix should seek the facts before threatening the livelihood of Australian farming families."
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Rosie
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| Posted: Fri Sep 14, 2007 5:56 pm Post subject: |
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Thank you for posting this article. If this is true, I would hope, and I am even sure... Joqquin will retract or take some action to set this right. I have the deepest respect for Peta and what they do, but they have to be careful in how they obtain their facts. I am sure they do not want to interfere with the careers of some very caring people.
But then again... is this true of all the sheep shipments? It only takes a few, even one rotten apple to spoil the bushel. One good thing about this fray; this being in the open now, is I think we can count on at least 99.9% of all shippers will be absolutely ethical for the sake of their industry, and the people relying on it for their livelihoods.
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