In a world increasingly attuned to ethical consumerism, PETA’s relentless campaign against the exotic-skins industry stands as a powerful testament to the growing global movement for animal rights. Published on April 19, 2022, by Danny Prater, this article delves into the fervent week of action spearheaded by PETA U.S. and its international affiliates. The campaign aims to pressure high-end fashion brands like Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci to cease their use of exotic animal skins, which are often procured through inhumane practices. With eye-catching protests and collaborations with street artists, PETA is not only raising awareness but also challenging these luxury brands to adopt sustainable and cruelty-free alternatives. From Beverly Hills to New York City, activists are making their voices heard, demanding a shift towards ethical fashion that respects the lives of exotic animals.
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Animal rights activists around the world are participating in a week of action to take down the exotic-skins industry. PETA U.S. and other PETA entities are leading the charge, planning eye-catching events targeting brands—including Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci—that still peddle cruelly obtained exotic skins.
“When will [your company] take seriously its need to evolve to stay relevant by using only sustainable, luxurious vegan materials that don’t involve the torture and slaughter of exotic animals?” That’s the tough question that a PETA U.S. representative asked at Hermès’ annual meeting. And Louis Vuitton owner LVMH and Gucci owner Kering will face that question next as PETA urges the top designers to drop exotic skins from their fashion lineups.
Stateside, activists kicked off the week of action with protests in Beverly Hills, California, targeting Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada over their continued use of exotic skins.
On April 23, more than 100 PETA supporters and other animal rights activists marched in New York City outside Louis Vuitton and Gucci stores. Protests also took place in Bellevue, Washington; Honolulu, Hawaii; Las Vegas; and Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
PETA has also teamed up with street artist Praxis on an art campaign throughout New York City, near Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada stores, with graphic images of animals killed for the companies’ clothing and accessories.
What You Can Do for Animals in the Exotic-Skins Industry
PETA’s exposés of the exotic-skins industry have uncovered animals being crammed into filthy pits, hacked apart, and left to die. We have exposed cruelty on reptile farms on three continents (Africa, North America, and Asia) and each time have shown that these intelligent, sensitive animals endure squalid imprisonment and a violent death.
For those who can’t join the week of action’s effort by demonstrating, PETA is supplementing the campaign with an active online component. No matter where you are, you can quickly complete simple daily actions for animals using your computer or smartphone. So what are you waiting for?
Notice: This content was initially published on PETA.org and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Humane Foundation.
