Kering and LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton released statements in response to PETA’s allegations of animal cruelty against the luxury conglomerates.
Earlier this week, PETA released the findings of a recent investigation into an Indonesian slaughterhouse, which detailed the “violent, inarguably cruel manner” in which lizards are killed for Gucci accessories.
“The lizards’ legs are tied, then they’re callously thrown around and beheaded without stunning—causing them a prolonged, agonizing death,” the organization said in its report. “This kind of cruelty goes into every one of Gucci’s lizard leather purses, belts, wallets, and other fashion accessories.”
PETA President Ingrid Newkirk on Monday sent letters to the executives of Kering and LVMH, urging them to stop using exotic animal slims.
“No bag, belt or wallet is worth such pain and suffering, especially since your designers have access to the most advanced and beautiful leathers,” Newkirk wrote.
In a statement provided to WWD Thursday, Kering maintained its commitment “to respecting the highest standards of animal sustainability and labor conditions in its sourcing of precious skins.”
Kering continued, “As for the information regarding the mistreatment of lizards in an Indonesian processing facility that was brought to us by PETA, while we have taken these allegations very seriously, there is no evidence that Kering brands are directly or indirectly connected with this facility or those practices.”
LVMH did not respond specifically to the allegations regarding snakes, but it said in a statement to the New York Post: “LVMH respects all views and sensitivities on the use of animal-based raw materials and we support and are actively involved in the sector’s efforts to achieve the best possible practices. Our intention is to provide customers with a product that has been made in the most responsible and ethical manner possible.”
