EN32 Sep 2014 Return to cover-page
Shocking exposé of the leather industry
A heartfelt message from Julie Cunningham, the National Secretary of the Theosophical Society (Adyar) in Wales, has drawn our attention to alarming information about the leather industry provided by the association People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
“Skin is not just a by-product of the meat industry,” we learn, “it is the most economically important co-product. Many people shun and refuse to wear fur because of the gruesome ways in which animals suffer and are killed for their skin. But what about leather? Most consumers are not aware of the cruelty to animals involved in the leather industry or of the detrimental effects of its production on the environment.”
“As part of the human race we share karma,” writes Julie Cunningham, “and if we buy the goods, we reinforce our connection to the cruelty and therefore must have a larger share in the karma.”
We certainly have a choice and can find stylish accessories and clothes that do not have a history of animal cruelty. To quote fashion designer, Stella McCartney,
"As a designer, I like to work with fabrics that don't bleed; that's why I avoid all animal skins. Please join me in exploring the huge variety of fashionable shoes, belts, purses and wallets that aren't the product of a cow's violent death. You can buy cruelty-free fashion all over the place now, since demand is always increasing as people learn the dark truth about the fur and leather and exotic-skins trade."
We can make an informed choice by reading the surprising facts about leather here