Kuala Lumpur, July 13: In a shocking investigation by PETA, renowned fashion brands Chanel, Gucci, and Hermès have been exposed for their involvement in the cruel treatment of goats in Mongolia’s cashmere industry. Disturbing footage and photos reveal the horrific practices employed by a supplier to Lanificio Colombo, which also counts Prada, Burberry, and Bottega Veneta among its clients.
The PETA investigation uncovered the brutal process of extracting cashmere from goats, leaving the animals screaming in pain and terror. Workers tie the goats’ legs together, forcibly pin them down, and violently rip out their hair using sharp metal combs. This agonizing ordeal can last up to an hour. Once the adult goats no longer yield sufficient hair, workers bludgeon them with hammers and slit their throats, leaving them to suffer for over four minutes as they bleed out. Additionally, workers were found to crudely castrate baby goats without providing any pain relief.
Disturbingly, some of the herding operations implicated in the investigation are suppliers for members of the “Sustainable Fibre Alliance” (SFA). Companies such as Marks & Spencer proudly promote their SFA membership, despite the fact that the SFA guidelines lack mandatory annual farm audits or pain relief requirements during castration or for injuries sustained during the violent handling of animals. The guidelines even consider treating animals “humanely” prior to slaughter as a recommendation rather than a requirement.
PETA Senior Vice President Jason Baker condemned these luxury brands, stating, “Goats suffer in agony so that these particular designer brands can sell their hair as cashmere sweaters and scarves to customers who have no idea of the cruelty involved.” PETA is urging these high-end brands, along with others, to stop hiding behind misleading labels and shift to cozy, luxurious, and 100 per cent animal-friendly vegan cashmere alternatives.
In addition to the shocking treatment of goats, PETA investigators discovered pieces of cashmere with skin still attached, indicating further disregard for animal welfare. Instances of goats with bleeding penises and one found dead the day after being observed limping underscore the systemic cruelty prevalent in this industry.
This exposé serves as a powerful call to action, urging consumers to reevaluate their fashion choices and demand transparency and ethical practices from the brands they support. The fashion industry must prioritize compassion and sustainability, forging a path toward a future where no animals suffer for the sake of fashion.
Welcome to dailystraits.com. Please send all interview requests and press releases to editor@dailystraits.com.