Activists from the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) staged a protest in front of a Benetton store on Fifth Avenue here Wednesday, denouncing the Italian company's use of Australian wool.
The 10 demonstrators displayed large cardboard panels showing photos of mutilated sheep and signs emblazoned "Boycott Benetton" and "United Cruelty of Benetton," a variation of the company slogan "United Colours of Benetton."
PETA decries a technique used by some Australian farmers called "mulesing," in which pieces of wool and skin are removed from the animal's hindquarters to avoid infections from flies.
Benetton issued a statement saying that PETA is running "an unjustified and defamatory boycott campaign," and that "Benetton has always paid strong attention to the respect of ethical and social values."
"Benetton has contacted the organizations representing the Australian wool producers for information about 'mulesing' and has received assurances that significant resources are being invested and research is being carried out to find alternatives to this practice," the statement said.