
‘These companies have set a compassionate example by introducing a ban on this cruelly obtained material’
New Look, Ted Baker, Next and Matalan have pledged to exclude alpaca wool from their future collections.
The companies made the ‘compassionate’ decision after bosses were shown horrifying footage of the animals being brutally shorn and sliced.
The investigation was carried out by animal rights charity PETA, who filmed grotesque videos at Malkini – the world’s biggest privately-owned alpaca farm, in Peru.
The recorded clips showed alpacas crying, soaked in blood and vomit as they were cruelly shorn with electric clippers, left with gaping wounds or roughly sewn up without adequate pain relief.
The exposé has already prompted Valentino as well as Marks & Spencer and Esprit to ditch the cruelly obtained fabric.
River Island, Hunter and Barber have also confirmed they have already stopped using alpaca in their collections.
Meanwhile, UNIQLO – the third-largest clothing retailer in the world, Gap Inc (which owns Banana Republic, Athleta, and other brands) and H&M Group (which owns eight brands) have cut ties with Malkini’s parent company, the Michell Group.
‘Stand up’
Commenting on these brands ditching alpaca wool, Yvonne Taylor, director of corporate projects at PETA, said: “Consumers today want nothing to do with materials that animals were tormented for.
“We urge all retailers to stand up for vulnerable alpacas by following these companies’ compassionate example and introducing a ban on this cruelly obtained material.”
Michell’s response
In response to PETA’s investigation, Michell released a statement in an effort to clarify its stance: “The shocking images transmitted in the video undoubtedly show excesses that we deeply deplore and affect us profoundly. They have clearly been edited and show unacceptable mistreatment practices carried out by negligent shearers.
“We want to reiterate our commitment to continue striving to improve our animal welfare, to work for a healthier environment, to provide the best products and services to all of you, to take care of our collaborators, and to contribute to our community, always in an honest and transparent manner.”
Share this news to raise awareness about the animal cruelties rampant in the fashion industry.
Lifestyle
Vegan culture, food, beauty & more
Gordon Ramsay Ditches Vegan Hate and Backs Flora’s Plant-Based Butter in New ‘Skip the Cow’ Campaign
- Totally Vegan Buzz Team
- 28th January 2025
Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, once infamous for his digs at vegans, has taken a sharp turn in the kitchen. Ramsay has teamed up with Flora, the famous UK-based spread brand, as its global ambassador, marking a bold new chapter in Flora’s “Skip the Cow” campaign. Flora, established in 1964, has long been a household name …
The Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Places in Latin America
- Totally Vegan Buzz Team
- 27th January 2025
Latin America is experiencing an extraordinary rise in plant-based dining options. A new study, spearheaded by Veganuary in partnership with the food discovery platform HappyCow, reveals that Latin America now boasts over 10,000 vegan, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly restaurants—an impressive 21.6% jump compared to last year. Brazil takes the crown as the number one country, with …
Continue reading “The Top 10 Vegan-Friendly Places in Latin America”
VEGAN MEMES
NEED A LAUGH?
QUIZZES
All the quizzes you love to binge!
QUIZ: If you score 11/12 on this quiz, you’re a verified vegan food expert
- Marlon Farrugia
- 10th January 2020
How much vegan knowledge do you have stored away? Do you have to Google your way through a shopping trip, or do you have all the bad E-numbers memorised? Find out now with this quiz. [wpViralQuiz id=27203]
QUIZ: What is your perfect Vegan Halloween Costume?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 13th October 2019
Spook Season approaches. There will be ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and glucose. You need a costume, and you want to it to show off your personality, which means VEGAN. But what to choose? Take our quiz to find out your perfect outfit. [wpViralQuiz id=33494]
QUIZ: What kind of vegetable are you?
- Marlon Farrugia
- 26th September 2019
“If you were a vegetable, what kind would you be?” A question that has tormented humanity throughout the ages – until now. [wpViralQuiz id=31281] Read: QUIZ: If you score 19/20 on THIS quiz, you’re a Vegan God