Fashion giant boycotts angora
After over a year of discussion with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), fashion giant Inditex decided that there was absolutely no ethical way to farm angora for clothing, and the best way forward is a complete ban. As parent company of many fashion labels like Zara, Massimo Dutti and Bershka, they have put a huge dent in the global demand for angora.
Instead of selling the excess garments which were already produced prior to their boycott, the Spanish clothing retailer has decided to ship a donation of US$878,000 worth of 23,000 angora wool sweaters to Syrian war refugees in need. This March, the donations are being handed out to approximately 1.2million refugees in the villages surrounding the Lebanese city of Tripoli, in the Beqaa Valley, and in the camps of Majdal Anjar, Mar Elias, Sawiri and Al-Marj.
(A refugee, smiling after receiving a jacket from Inditex. Photo by Ibrahim Chalhoub (AFP))
This move comes after PETA conducted an investigation in 10 Chinese angora farms, and found that the rabbits were being tortured for their fur– they were tied up, had their fur ripped out, and were left to bleed. This was repeated once their wounds healed and fur grew back. The process was filmed and released in a graphic video, stirring many animal welfare activists to sign petitions and riot for industry members to take action.
Inditex’s decision is great news for all furry bunnies, but there are still countless labels that have yet to join the boycott. Let’s hope more will be encouraged by Inditex’s generosity and follow suit!
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