Australia sees red over Pink's sheep campaign

U.S. singer Pink poses during the launch of a boycott campaign against Australian wool called for by animal rights association Peta (People for the ethical treatments of animal) before a concert at the Bercy stadium in Paris December 19, 2006. [Reuters]

Australia's government is seeing red over pop star Pink's graphic Christmas campaign against Australia's wool industry.

Pink used her recent Paris concert to call on consumers worldwide to boycott products made with Australian wool in protest at the controversial practice of mulesing, where farmers cut loose skin from the backsides of sheep to discourage flies.

Australia is one of the world's top wool exporters.

"If they're merino wool or made in Australia, ... leave them on the rack," she said, signing on to a campaign run by animal activist group People for Ethical Treatment of Animals(PETA).

But Treasurer Peter Costello, wary of potential damage to wool products in the festive season, said the outspoken singer should learn her facts.

"You know, Pink is entitled to her views but at the end of the day would Australia's farmers take advice from Pink?" Costello told reporters on Wednesday.

Pink, whose real name is Alecia Moore, vowed to campaign against mulesing when she visited Australia on tour in April. PETA has waged a public relations war with the Australian wool industry for years over mulesing and live sheep exports.

Costello said he was no fan of mulesing, which is to be phased out within four years, but the alternative of maggot infestation and slow death from flystrike was worse.

"It's not a pretty sight. Mulesing is not a pretty sight either but it's a damn sight more humane than letting a sheep die fly-blown in a paddock," he said.