Australian crocodiles to be cruelly slaughtered on new Hermès farm

Our new report Fashion Victims finds that 50,000 more Australian saltwater crocodiles could be cruelly farmed and killed for their skins unless the Federal Government acts.

Australia already accounts for 60% of the global production of saltwater crocodile skins, with two thirds coming from the Northern Territory.

The report outlines that three to four crocodiles are killed to produce skins ‘fit’ for high-end items such as Hermès handbags. These sentient animals are farmed in crowded, plastic-lined enclosures to protect their skin from damage before a brutal slaughter. Crocodiles experience pain and pleasure and in the wild will live for around 70 years but in captivity are killed at around two to three years of age.

Head of Campaigns at World Animal Protection, Ben Pearson said:

“Farmed crocodiles are wild animals, not handbags. They are sentient beings who deserve to enjoy a wild life, not languish in plastic-lined pens for the profits of French fashion houses. They don't deserve to pay the hefty price of their life for an expensive handbag.”

“We are calling on the Minister for Environment, Sussan Ley, to stop the expansion of this cruel and barbaric industry, by rejecting an export permit for the Hermès crocodile farm. As Environment Minister she has obligations to promote the humane treatment of wildlife. Crocodile farming is the exact opposite”.

The new Hermès farm comes as the use of exotic skins is becoming increasingly controversial. Leading brands such as Chanel, Victoria Beckham, Mulberry, Karl Lagerfeld, Vivienne Westwood and Tommy Hilfiger have committed to, or are moving away from, using exotic skins and wild animals in their products, shifting to humane and sustainable alternatives.

The global wildlife trade

Every day, thousands of wild animals are poached or farmed and sold into the cruel global multi-billion-dollar commercial trade. We’re working to shift the way the world views wild animals, so they are no longer treated as mere assets to be exploited for commercial gain.

With your ongoing support, we’ve been lobbying the G20 world leaders – of which Australia is a member – to end the global wildlife trade.

“An expansion of crocodile farming would also send a message to the international community that the Australian Government believes the farming of wild animals and trade in wild animal products is acceptable.”

“The wildlife trade is not only a source of animal suffering but threatens human health by creating conditions that could lead to future pandemics. We must accept that human wellbeing is intrinsically linked to the health of animals and the natural world,” Mr Pearson added.

We’re calling on the Australian Government to work on a time-bound phase-out of this cruel industry. Join us in the fight to end animal cruelty and stand up for Australia’s iconic saltwater crocodiles.

Thanks for everything you do for the most vulnerable animals around the world.