Guilty for no cause

Humans have infinite needs, as soon as one is fulfilled they start running for the other one. As Oscar Wilde once said and I quote, “Nowadays people know the price of everything but value of nothing”. We never realize how our needs and wants cause suffering to the wildlife.

The leather made of animal skin is always in great demand. The crocodile leather is considered one of the finest leathers and is used to make luxury products. Famous brands like Louis Vuitton use crocodile skin in their high quality and expensive items. The pattern of the crocodile skin is very unique and is very difficult to replicate.

But is it really worth it to kill an animal just for its skin and to leave it in utter pain and agony? Do we see these products only by their monetary value or also by the loss of life of an innocent animal?

Vietnam’s Crocodile Skin Industry –

Vietnam exports thirty thousand to forty thousand crocodile skins every year. It supplies these skins to various tanneries that further process these skins and sell them to big companies like Louis Vuitton. PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) had exposed one such tannery in Vietnam which was owned by LVMH which is the parent company of Louis Vuitton. In every three months it sells 1500 crocodile skins. 

Around five thousand crocodiles are kept in this tannery in small cement enclosures in which these giant crocodiles are not even able to move. They are kept in these enclosures for 15 months. Many smaller crocodiles are kept in large groups in confined spaces which does not allow them to properly distribute aggression causing fights and poses a threat of infections and diseases.

                                                                    

The crocodiles are electrocuted, using car batteries and tied to be taken to slaughter. Their necks are cut open while they are still alive and struggling to run free. Metal rods are rammed down their spine which leaves them further vulnerable. In some tanneries a sharp blade is penetrated through the head of the crocodile. Many reptile experts describe this as inhumane.

 

While they are still suffering, they are taken to another room where a worker cuts and pulls off their skin. Even after being treated this way they don’t die instantly and suffer for a long time, at least 4 to 5 hours. Their skin is ruthlessly peeled off their body. In some tanneries air compressors are used to inflate their body which makes it easy to take off their skin.

In contrast to being exposed, some of the Louis Vuitton products have the following description about their crocodile leather products.

“Crocodile skins in vibrant hues are either polished by hand with a natural agate stone or massaged until soft and matte for the ultimate example of exotic leather craftsmanship.

Our crocodilian leathers meet the highest environmental quality requirements and come from farms certified under the LVMH Crocodilians Standard. This standard is the world’s first crocodilian certification that covers the entire supply chain: conservation of the species, respect of animal welfare, working conditions for men and women at the farms; and finally, protection of the environment.

25 years after first establishing these conservation programs, two thirds of all crocodilian species are no longer threatened with extinction. Today, the three species used for Louis Vuitton’s products are no longer endangered in the countries where we source from”. Such products are sold for prices starting from 1500 US dollars.

It is our responsibility to say no to crocodile leather products and boycott them. We need to make these companies and the people making use of such products realize that their luxury does not mean the death of an innocent and beautiful creature. The concerned authorities need to take stern actions against companies and people promoting such products. These fascinating creatures need to be protected and conserved and most importantly deserve our utmost respect.