People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has requested a report from the Lululemon shareholder about its methods of slaughtering animals for the production of down jackets.
The company submitted a shareholder resolution to its board of directors to determine if these methods were inconsistent with its animal welfare policy. This policy states that all animals in the supply chain are “treated humanely” and “respected”. PETA pointed out that most methods of getting down involve birds being taken to a slaughterhouse where they are often subjected to inhumane practices.
PETA stated that Lululemon shareholders must know how Lulemon will address any potential false-advertising claims if the methods are not compatible.
PETA’s executive vice-president Tracy Reiman stated that Lululemon was selling jackets stuffed with feathers from birds who have been violently killed. This betrays the yoga principle of nonviolence. Lululemon would be proven wrong by PETA’s resolution about how it misleads its customers about the sufferings and deaths of animals within its supply chain.
Lululemon’s affiliation to the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), was also noted by the organisation. The animal welfare group has previously found that many RDS suppliers have used cruel methods when dealing with birds.
PETA’s news release suggested that high-tech synthetic materials such as Thinsulate and Climashield be used as an alternative to down. It also stated that “they don’t lose their insulation power when they get wet.”
