The Korea Animal Protection Alliance recently held a press conference in front of the Herm?s store in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, condemning the unethical use of leather by luxury brands. In particular, the cruel production process of crocodile leather products worth tens of millions of won was brought to the spotlight.
The brutal production process of crocodile leather products worth tens of millions of won has come under scrutiny. [Image source=Getty Images]
While many fashion brands are discontinuing the use of animal leather, Herm?s, which cruelly skins animals to make bags, is reportedly seeing an increase in sales, the Korea Animal Protection Alliance pointed out on the 30th of last month. While some brands are switching to synthetic or vegan leather, Herm?s continues to produce wildlife leather products and is enjoying the resulting profits.
According to the Korea Animal Protection Alliance, one Herm?s handbag uses the leather of 3 to 4 crocodiles, and one jacket requires the leather of 6 crocodiles. Herm?s is known to use only flawless and uniform-textured crocodile leather.
The Korea Animal Protection Alliance exposed the cruelty of the crocodile slaughtering process. The group stated, "They press down on the snout of a live crocodile, cut the back of its head, then insert a knife along the spine to skin it," adding, "This process is so cruel that it is difficult to watch."
To obtain the highest quality leather, crocodiles are reportedly raised in extremely confined spaces. They are kept in narrow iron cages where even turning their bodies is difficult, living in poor conditions deprived of all natural instincts.
The Korea Animal Protection Alliance emphasized that crocodiles are sentient wild animals with the right to live in nature. They urged Herm?s to stop the slaughter of crocodiles, stating that they should not be sacrificed merely for human luxury goods.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
