Hermès Birkin crocodile handbags are made from animal cruelty

This is a report on PETA’s campaign and investigations on the animal cruelty within the luxury goods market and in this instance, I refer to the Hermès Birkin handbag made from crocodile skin.

The picture below shows, according to PETA, dead crocodiles in Zimbabwe which “have just ostensibly had their necks cut, a wire rammed down their spines, and their brains scrambled with a metal rod”. The picture comes from ITN/Reuters.

Reptiles killed for their skin
Reptiles killed for their skin. Screenshot from PETA video.

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It seems that Zimbabwe is a major ‘manufacturer’ of crocodile skin if that’s the right phrase. They have a facility which ‘processes’ Nile crocodiles. Tens of thousands of crocodiles are confined to concrete pits from birth to slaughter. As expected, they are deprived of the opportunity to engage in natural behaviours.

Nile crocodiles live to about 80 years in their natural environment. At this Zimbabwean facility they are killed at the age of three.

PETA tells us that “many belly skins are sent to a Hermès-owned tannery where they end up being luxury items such as Birkin and Kelly handbags that can cost $50,000 or more. It takes two or three crocodiles to make just one handbag.”

At this Zimbabwean facility, about 220 yearling crocodiles are confined to each concrete pen. The skins of the animals will be turned into products as mentioned including boots and watchbands.

PETA tells us that, “More than a hundred thousand crocodiles are held in concrete pens at Padenga’s farms.”

More than 60 hatchling crocodiles are packed into each concrete pen and they will remain there until they are about nine months old.

When it is time to kill the crocodile workers cut into a crocodile’s neck then ram a wire down his or her spine. It’s a complete bloodbath, a hellish scene which I can’t present on this page.

In a handout to me, PETA tell me that Tash Peterson was awarded PETA Australia’s 2022 Activist of the Year. Tash teamed up with PETA UK “for an impossible-to-miss protest outside Hermes flagship London store,” to protest against this obscene animal cruelty.

The story is just another example of the abuse of animals to make exotic products; in this instance for women mainly and I’m not being critical of women because men are just the same. Although women do love their handbags and the manufacturers realise it and make some enormously expensive products but they’ve got to be made from the skins of animals which is an animal welfare issue.

I asked Google Gemini what they thought of all this. I asked them why women like fancy never handbags first and then I asked them about the animal welfare issue in making these handbags. The results are below.

It seems that most women are entirely blind to the animal cruelty underpinning the exotic handbag market. I think one problem is that we don’t see leather as the skin of an animal. We do tend to see it as an inanimate, dead object; a material like a synthetic material. We don’t equate it with the horrible animal abuse to which these products are linked.

Why do women so love their fancy leather handbags?

There are many reasons why women love their fancy leather handbags! Here are a few:

  • Function and Organization: A good handbag is like a mobile office, keeping essentials like wallets, phones, and makeup organized and easily accessible. Many leather bags have compartments and pockets designed specifically for these needs.
  • Fashion and Self-Expression: Leather handbags can be a way to showcase personal style. From classic satchels to trendy clutches, there’s a bag to complement any outfit and personality.
  • Quality and Durability: Leather is a long-lasting material that develops a beautiful patina over time. A well-made leather bag can be an investment piece that lasts for years.
  • Confidence and Status: A high-quality leather handbag can be a symbol of success and achievement. Owning a designer bag can boost self-confidence and make a woman feel put-together.
  • Sentimentality: Leather handbags can become cherished possessions. They can hold memories of special occasions or be passed down as heirlooms.

It’s important to remember that not all women love fancy leather handbags, and there are many other types of bags available to suit different tastes and needs. But for many women, a leather handbag is a versatile and stylish accessory that offers both practicality and a touch of luxury.

But what about the animal welfare issues in using the skins of animals?

That’s a very valid point. Animal welfare is a major concern surrounding leather production. Here are some of the issues:

  • Confined Living Conditions: Many animals raised for leather live in cramped and unsanitary factory farms.
  • Painful Procedures: They may endure procedures like branding, de-horning, and tail docking without pain relief.
  • Slaughter: Ultimately, these animals are killed for their hides, raising ethical questions.

There are efforts to improve animal welfare in the leather industry, with certifications like the Leather Working Group aiming for more humane practices. However, transparency in supply chains can be challenging.

Here are some alternatives for those concerned about animal welfare:

  • Vegan Leather: Made from plant-based materials like pineapple or cork, these offer a sustainable and cruelty-free option.
  • Recycled Leather: Uses leftover scraps from leather production, reducing waste.
  • Non-Leather Bags: Canvas, nylon, and other materials offer stylish and durable alternatives.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy leather is a personal one. By being aware of the issues and the available alternatives, women can make informed choices that align with their values.

RELATED: Many luxury brands have banned the use of exotic skins

1 thought on “Hermès Birkin crocodile handbags are made from animal cruelty”

  1. One day – when?? – humankind will be true custodians of the planet and the wildlife contained therein, which will mean no more animal abuses for commercial gain. The amount of money made from animal cruelty in countries where there are unenforced animal welfare laws or no animal welfare laws at all is obscene. Thanks for the post.

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