Because India’s animal transport and slaughter laws are not enforced, many of the animals used for leather are so sick and injured by the time they arrive at the slaughterhouse that they must be dragged inside. “Handlers carelessly twist the necks and yank the nose ropes of the others to force them off the truck,” says Pamela. “Animals not immediately slaughtered may be left in the hot sun without water, food or medical care. Some are dragged away by tractors. As hard as it is to watch, slaughter is actually the only relief these animals get. Cattle are often killed in full view of one another. Cattle who hesitate to enter the killing floor are beaten until they move. Some have their legs cut off or are skinned while still alive.”

Pamela has sent PETA’s video to dozens of fashion designers, along with a letter asking them to “shed their skins” and investigate the many fashionable synthetic alternatives to leather.

GAP Stops Selling Indian Leather

Gap Inc., the second-largest clothing retailer in the U.S., has agreed to stop using leather from animals killed in India and China. The company’s laudable decision comes after two months of actions in which PETA members, led by Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, protested outside Gap stores and were even arrested after taking over the display window at the New York flagship store.

Chrissie, once known for her leather outfits, has sworn off all skins. “When animals are killed for their skin, they are being slaughtered for vanity and pleasure, and to me that’s murder.”

J. Crew and Liz Claiborne have followed Gap’s lead and have also agreed to stop using Indian and Chinese leather.

THE CHOICE IS YOURS... Say, “No thanks!” to unanesthetized castration, branding, tail-docking, dehorning and everything else that comes with “hairless fur.” Choose from hundreds of styles of nonleather clothing, shoes, belts, bags and wallets. You’ll find nonleather items everywhere—from discount stores like Payless Shoe Source to department stores (look for fashionable brands like Sam & Libby and Unlisted) to chic boutiques like Steve Madden. In the U.K., try Shoe Express or M&S’s microfibre range. For durable nonleather athletic shoes, check out Adidas, New Balance, Nike and Reebok. Surf over to www.CowsAreCool.com for more info. TIP! When buying shoes, look inside the heel or on the sole for the words “all man-made materials” or “synthetic fibers.”