Why PETA wants Ipswich Council to rename Woolshed to Woolsh-t

A radical animal rights group is pushing for Ipswich City Council to rename an area long associated with the wool industry, even though only eight people live there.

PETA wants Woolshed renamed to highlight its concerns about the wool industry. Picture: Zoe Phillips

An animal right organisation is demanding Ipswich City Council rename Woolshed, despite it having a population of only eight people, because of its links to the wool industry.

People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals Australia Vice President Mimi Bekhechi wrote a letter to the Ipswich City Council on Tuesday, June 18, which said production of sheep fleece was inhumane.

Ms Bekhechi asked Division 4 locality Woolshed be renamed to Wools@#t to reflect their concerns.

According to the 2021 Census, only eight people lived in the locality which was about 25km west of the CBD near Rosewood.

The current name was introduced when Rod Welford was Natural Resources Minister about 24 years ago.

It refers to a small building that is used for shearing and bailing wool.

Woolshed is mostly covered by bushes, but the latest census showed there were eight people living in the locality.

“Using sheep for wool is also cruel,” the letter said.

“The industry has tried to pull the wool over the eyes of consumers by erroneously implying that it’s kind to animals and the environment.

“Sheep are sentient (capable of feelings) individuals and the climate catastrophe is an urgent problem.

“There’s no place for woolsheds in the green, kind future we all want.

“By changing the name of Woolshed to Wools@#t, you’ll remind consumers that wool isn’t environmentally friendly or cruelty-free and help them see the industry’s marketing claims for what they really are.”

Ms Bekhechi said PETA conducted investigations into 117 wool-producing facilities on four continents, including Australia.

“Every single one revealed animals being beaten, kicked, pushed, stamped on and left bleeding after violent shearing,” she said.

PETA said it has not been in touch with any locals.

Council declined to comment.