PETA activists near-naked outside Benetton in Moscow

Activists from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Europe took part in a near-naked demonstration outside the Benetton fashion store in Moscow to protest against the chain's use of Australian wool. The protesters, wearing only their underwear, were painted in colours mimicking the Benetton fashion brand, but with splashes of red to symbolise cruelty to animals. They're urging the international clothing retailer to stop using Australian wool until the industry ends two practices which they claim is cruel. In a video provided by PETA, the practice of mulesing can be seen to be carried out by Australian ranchers. PETA says it's a practice that mutilates the lambs. Mulesing involves the slicing away of folds of skin from beneath the lambs' tails that forms a wool-free scar and so prevents infections from blowfly larvae. The other practice PETA wants abolished is the cramming of live sheep onto ships for exportation to the Middle East. The journey takes weeks and many sheep die en route.