Ralph Lauren Faces Pressure from PETA to End Support of Skins Trade
In a bold move, PETA is set to address Ralph Lauren’s annual shareholder meeting to urge the company to end its involvement in the bloody skins trade. As a shareholder in the company, PETA is leveraging its position to push for change in the fashion industry. Despite Ralph Lauren’s claims of „responsible“ and „sustainable“ sourcing, PETA has uncovered numerous instances of cruelty to wild animals in the industry.
The latest investigation by PETA Asia into crocodile and python farms in Thailand revealed shocking acts of violence towards these animals. Workers were seen thrusting metal blades into live crocodiles‘ necks, causing them to suffer for extended periods before succumbing to their injuries. Additionally, snakes were subjected to brutal treatment, including being bashed in the head with hammers and inflated with water while still alive.
PETA’s Executive Vice President, Tracy Reiman, emphasized the need for Ralph Lauren to align its practices with the values of compassionate consumers. She highlighted the daily suffering endured by animals in the skins industry and called for a shift towards cruelty-free vegan materials.
The organization’s motto, „animals are not ours to wear or abuse in any other way,“ underscores their commitment to ending the exploitation of animals for fashion. PETA offers resources such as the „Every Animal Is Someone“ campaign and Empathy Kits to educate the public on the importance of kindness towards animals.
The shareholder question posed by PETA at the meeting challenges Ralph Lauren to reconsider its support of the wild-animal skins trade. The investigation findings in Thailand exposed the inhumane conditions in which crocodiles and pythons are kept, contradicting the principles outlined in the company’s own animal welfare policy.
PETA’s question to Ralph Lauren emphasizes the impossibility of sourcing exotic skins in a humane manner and calls for the company to uphold the integrity it seeks to inspire. By ending the sale of wild animals‘ skins, Ralph Lauren has the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to ethical practices and align with the growing demand for cruelty-free fashion.
As PETA continues to advocate for animal rights in the fashion industry, the pressure on companies like Ralph Lauren to prioritize compassion over profit is mounting. The outcome of this shareholder meeting could signal a significant shift towards a more ethical and sustainable future for the fashion industry.
