PETA Asia, in its recent 13-month long investigation, found that renowned fashion retailer H&M is supporting the down industry.
According to PETA, H&M is sourcing down jackets from Vietnam where feet of struggling birds are cut off live and they are slaughtered with axes before their feathers are stuffed into jackets.
Despite H&M’s assertion that its products involve no harm to animals, the investigation by PETA Asia uncovered distressing conditions in duck farms and slaughterhouses across Vietnam.
Ducks were reportedly found with gaping wounds in dirty sheds, stabbed in the neck, and suffering on lots strewn with feces. Even at a facility certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) in Vietnam, ducks had their feet cut off while still conscious.
Similar disturbing practices were observed in ‘responsible’ down farms in Russia, where geese were subjected to brutal treatment. H&M has removed the ‘responsible’ down label from its US online offerings, acknowledging the label’s lack of credibility, yet it continues to sell down jackets.
H&M Group CEO Helena Helmersson is set to receive a formal communication from PETA addressing the company’s involvement in the down industry. The correspondence will be accompanied by a symbolic package featuring a simulated bloody duck foot and a representation of an ‘axe’.
PETA’s letter enclosed in the package serves as a reminder to the H&M executive of documented instances of cruelty and earnestly urges the company to discontinue its association with the down industry, advocating for the welfare of birds.
“H&M’s down sales help prop up an industry that exploits and slaughters terrified birds, who have every bit as much desire to live without fear and pain as any of its executives do,” commented Tracy Reiman, Executive Vice President, PETA, adding, “H&M already sells affordable and stylish vegan clothing and PETA is urging the company to ditch all down in favor of these innovative options.”
