PETA Snap At Hermes

11 June 2009

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Hermes has been blasted for breeding crocodiles to make bags.

PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) branded the French luxury group "outdated" for establishing their own farms to meet the demand for their exotic skin products.

The animal rights group said in a statement: "The thought of purposely breeding and killing crocodiles for an outdated, overpriced handbag should make any fashionista's skin crawl.

"If Hermes really wants to be a leader in the fashion industry, it should stop killing animals for cold-blooded vanity and use cruelty-free mock croc and fake snake instead."

outdated for establishing their own farms to meet the demand for their exotic skin products.The animal rights group said in a statement:

US singer Pink has also criticised companies who have expanded their use of animal products and insists she will only be seen in animal-friendly outfits.

The 'So What' star - who recently voiced a commercial for PETA - said: "Killing animals for their skins is so disgusting that it doesn't make me want to befriend designers who use them."

Hermes chief executive Patrick Thomas recently defended the company's use of crocodiles, insisting they have to keep up with demand for their exclusive bags and purses - which can cost up to $50,000.

He said: "We are now breeding our own crocodiles on our own farms, mainly in Australia. The world is not full of crocodiles, except the stock exchange.

"We cannot face demand. We have massive over-demand. We are limited by our ability to train new craftsmen."

It can take three or four crocodiles to provide enough skin for one bag and breeding can often be expensive as the animals need to be kept apart in separate rooms to minimise skin damage from bites.