Should Global Brands Ban Angora Fur After PETA's Investigation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the ethical implications of using angora wool following a PETA investigation that revealed disturbing treatment of angora rabbits in China. Participants explore the reactions of global brands, particularly in the fashion industry, to this investigation and the broader ethical considerations surrounding animal welfare in the production of fur and wool.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern over the treatment of angora rabbits, citing graphic evidence from the PETA investigation.
  • Others argue that while the treatment is tragic, it raises questions about the ethics of consuming animal products in general.
  • A participant suggests that it may be more humane to kill the rabbits for their fur and meat rather than subjecting them to prolonged suffering.
  • Some express skepticism towards PETA's methods, recalling past instances of staged evidence in their investigations.
  • There is mention of Zara's decision to halt production pending inspections, with some participants viewing this as a positive development.
  • A later reply discusses the potential for humane methods of harvesting fur from angora rabbits, highlighting the importance of proper farming practices.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus; there are multiple competing views regarding the ethical implications of using angora wool and the treatment of animals in the industry. Some agree on the need for better practices, while others question the motivations and credibility of organizations like PETA.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying assumptions about animal welfare, the ethics of consumption, and the credibility of investigative organizations. The discussion reflects a range of perspectives on the complexities of animal rights and industry practices.

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Global brands ban angora wool after PETA investigation
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/global-brands-ban-angora-wool-after-peta-investigation/

American clothing company PVH Corp. -- the parent company of Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, IZOD, ARROW, Van Heusen, and other brands -- say they will discontinue the use of angora wool in its products.

The move by PVH follows the release of last month's graphic video of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals' investigation into angora farms in China

In the video, Angora rabbits can be heard screaming as farmers rip out their wool until the animals are bald. The rabbits are then thrown back into their cages and appear to be stunned and in shock.

I'm not a huge fan of PETA, but this seems to be good work from them. I'm glad pressure has been put on these companies because imo fur is completely unnecessary when we have plenty of comfy alternatives. fyi, I would advise against watching the video, it's extremely disturbing.
 
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This is so disturbing. :cry:
 
Evo said:
This is so disturbing. :cry:

Yeah, but he TOLD you not to watch it, Evo. You need to have more faith in Greg :smile:
 
Although it is a tragic loss of life. People who are not vegans should not rejoice. Because isn't the food we consume slaughtered aimals?
 
TitoSmooth said:
Although it is a tragic loss of life. People who are not vegans should not rejoice. Because inst the food we consume slaughtered animals?

It would be more humane to kill the bunny, sell it's fur and meat, than to torture it for years by ripping it's fur out. Also there are plenty of ways to get fur from an animal without torturing it.
 
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I think the company knew they'd have to drop them when the word got out about how the animals were being treated, so they got cheap fur while they could. I doubt they're that naive to think the animals were being treated well in China. People aren't even treated well there.
 
I'm always a bit leery to trust PETA after they have planted and staged evidence in other "investigations."

Someone should teach those guys about sheers though.
 
  • #10
Greg Bernhardt said:
It would be more humane to kill the bunny, sell it's fur and meat, than to torture it for years by ripping it's fur out. Also there are plenty of ways to get fur from an animal without torturing it.

I would tend to think that is most likely where those particular animals are headed - ie for the slaughter. Not too many knowledgeable farmers would want to overstress their source of income in wool, as seen in the video, for various reasons. No doubt an animal would be put under some stress from having its hair removed, but this goes to the pathological extreme.

Certain breeds of angora rabbit molt and the fur can be plucked off at the right time giving the best quality of product, with no lead hairs, which a shearing would remove.

If China uses the Germain breed of angora rabbit which does not molt, then one does not pluck the fur, but has to shear it off. Either the farmer is dimwitted, knows nothing about his product, or is in a hybrid angora wool-rabbit meat business.

Here is at least a reassuring decent reply to the video from one responsible UK farmer,
http://orkneyangora.co.uk/mainsite/?page_id=343
 
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  • #11
Evo said:
Nice to hear some good may come of this. Absolutely no reason to brutalize animals.

"Nature is cruel, but we don't have to be."

--Temple Grandin