United States Of America : Patagonia stops buying wool from Ovis 21

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Patagonia stops buying wool from Ovis 21

18
Aug '15

Courtesy: Patagonia

American outdoor clothing maker Patagonia has said it has stopped buying wool from the Ovis 21 farms in Argentina after animal rights activists released video of workers there killing lambs with knives.

The footage published last week by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) showed the cruel treatment at farms which supplied the Ventura, California-based company with merino wool used in its base layers and insulation.

Patagonia's Chief Executive Officer Rose Marcario said in a statement the company was shocked by the video, and they were dismayed to witness such "horrifying" mistreatment.

“We've spent the past several days looking deep into our wool supply chain, shocked by the disturbing footage of animal cruelty that came to light last week. Patagonia's partnership with Ovis 21 has been a source of pride because of the program's genuine commitment to regenerating the grassland ecosystem, but this work must come equally with respectful and humane treatment of the animals that contribute to this endeavor,” Marcario said in his statement.

“We've made a frank and open-eyed assessment of the Ovis program. Our conclusion: it is impossible to ensure immediate changes to objectionable practices on Ovis 21 ranches, and we have therefore made the decision that we will no longer buy wool from them. This is a difficult decision, but it's the right thing to do,” he said.

But Marcario rejected PETA claims that cruelty is essential to wool production. He said Patagonia will continue to make products from wool because of its unique performance attributes, but the company will not buy wool again until it can assure its customers of a verifiable process that ensures the humane treatment of animals. (SH)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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