LVMH vows new standards for crocodile farms

World leader in luxury goods LVMH announced
Monday it would boost measures to ensure a “responsible supply” of crocodile
skins.

The giant French retailer said in a statement it would follow new standards
for crocodile leather based on criteria “developed and validated by a
committee of technical experts”.

This would include “the preservation of the species and the respect of
local communities” as well as animal well-being, working conditions on the
farms and the protection of the environment.

Three farms which supply an LVMH tannery in Singapore have already been
certified as meeting the new standards.

This “guarantees respect for animal well-being,” including on-site
treatment by veterinarians and quality of living space and food, the statement
added.

LVMH said it had already set up full traceability of skins.

Some 20 farms, which supply the tannery, located in Australia, Zambia,
Zimbabwe, Kenya, the Philippines and the United States “will be certified by
the end of 2020”.

The move is “part of a global approach to breeding and proper treatment of
the animals”.

Animal defence group PETA last April criticised LVMH over conditions for
crocodiles and ostriches bred for the fashion industry. LVMH deplored any
“association with practices it condemns”.(AFP)