Written by PETA
Super-chic clothing company Ann Taylor is showing that it's got compassion sense to match its fashion sense. The retailer, known for modern silhouettes and sophisticated style, is moving away from purchasing wool from sheep who have been mulesed.
Mulesing is a painful procedure in which ranchers cut off large chunks of lambs' skin without using any painkillers. The Australian wool industry says that it uses mulesing to prevent a condition known as "flystrike" in which folds in the animals' skin trap moisture and attract flies and maggots—but the gaping open wounds caused by mulesing often lead to flystrike anyway. Many farmers are already using more humane flystrike-prevention methods, including dietary improvements, regular spray washing, and the breeding of bare-breech sheep.
Until farmers stop mulesing sheep, they will continue to lose profits: Ann Taylor joins a long list of major retailers—including H&M, Perry Ellis, HUGO BOSS, Liz Claiborne, and Gap Inc.—that are making the leap for happier sheep by moving away from or banning the use of wool from mulesed sheep. Be sure to take a moment to thank Ann Taylor for this compassionate move.
Written by Michelle Sherrow
@nancy - Ann Taylor is helping sheep by moving away from museled wool, and PETA applauds any steps that companies take to help animals.
PETA highlights companies (www.peta.org/.../cruelty-free-Clothing-guide.aspx) that carry a wide variety of animal-friendly products, but we also include some companies that aren’t strictly cruelty-free because we believe that consumer buying power can affect change. Purchasing cruelty-free and vegan products shows companies that they have a market for such products and may encourage them to widen their cruelty-free product lines.
PETA shares your concern for companies and charities that contribute to animal experimentation. For information about cruelty-free companies and charities, please visit www.peta.org/.../cruelty-free-charities.aspx.
I'm sorry to be negative and you don't have to post this if it's inappropriate. However, Ann Taylor recently did a huge donation drive for St. Jude's childrens hospital. They donated a portion of their sales. St. Judes does cruel animal experimentation on animals. I used to shop there but I was very unhappy to see them supporting animal research when more effective and compassionate methods are available.
This is wonderful! I love Ann Taylor clothes anyway, and now I have a great excuse to double my shopping there!
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