Why PETA Protested Feathers at London Fashion Week
The British Fashion Council’s NewGen Showcase was the site of a gruesome display, as a terrified PETA “ostrich” had her “feathers” agonisingly torn from her body.
The protest aimed to show Fashion Week attendees what ostriches and other birds may endure in the cruel feather industry for only some feather trim on a gown.
Ostriches Killed for Feathers
A PETA US investigation into ostrich farms and abattoirs in South Africa exposed workers forcibly restraining young ostriches and striking them in the face on the way to slaughter.
At the slaughterhouse, workers forced terrified ostriches into stun boxes – causing many to slip and fall – before slitting their throats. The ostriches next in line watched helplessly as their flock mates were killed right in front of them. Their feathers were then ripped from their bodies.
Many birds are routinely live-plucked in unregulated farming areas, a horrifically painful experience for these gentle birds. Live plucking still occurs in areas where it is prohibited, making it impossible to decipher whether feathers have been taken from dead or alive birds.
All ostriches on farms experience the horror of factory farming and a terrifying death so humans can decorate clothes with their feathers.
The Future of Fashion is Vegan
London Fashion Week banned fur from shows in 2023, and this year became the first of the ‘big four’ fashion weeks to ban wild animals’ skins. PETA’s protest called on the British Fashion Council to keep up the compassionate trend by banning feathers.
What You Can Do
The feather industry is as cruel as fur. Please join PETA in urging the British Fashion Council to implement a feather ban now:
