Pulling the Wool: A New Look at the Australian Wool Industry

by Christine Townend

'On the sheep's back' - the phrase conjures up for many people the notion they have of Australia - a virile, energetic country whose wealth derives from rural pursuits - particularly wool growing. From our earliest schooldays we learn of John Macarthur and the introduction of merino; of the opening up of the country by explorers and squatters anxious to find pastures for their sheep, of the conflict between shearers and graziers; of the halcyon days when wool was 'a pound a pound'; of national wealth derived from hard work, honest endeavour and good fortune. The shearer, the squatter, and the jumbuck are the ingredients of our national myth. What we have ignored is the suffering that lies behind the myth. It is monstrous to breed a sheep for maximum fleece regardless of the climate, the animal's welfare, or the barbarity which it must endure if it is to survive. To coldly place the pursuit of profit above all other consideration is to be indifferent to all notions of humanity. In Pulling the wool Christine Townend disputes the traditional view that the merino is well adapted to the harsh Australian outback. She cites evidence to show that these animals suffer as a result of their unsuitability and looks in detail at such horrific practices as mulesing. But she is not only concerned with the well-being of sheep. She argues that ignoring animal welfare is a result of economic pressures on producers and that, until Australia establishes an ethical, self-sustaining agriculture from which animals, the environment and humans benefit, the whole community must bear responsibility for the way farm animals are treated.

157 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Christine Elizabeth Townend is an Australian writer, animal rights activist and artist.

She holds a Doctorate from the University of Sydney.