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Q:

How many animals are killed for leather in India?

Hi everyone,

I have been doing a lot of research and came across some concerning information about the leather industry in India. I am an animal lover and believe in ethical consumption. I am trying to understand how many animals are killed for leather in India.

I have read some conflicting information online, and I was hoping someone here could provide me with accurate information. I am also curious about the different types of animals that are killed for leather in India and the impact this industry has on animal welfare.

Thank you in advance for any insights or resources you can provide.

All Replies

janderson

Hello,

I totally relate to your concern regarding the leather industry and animal welfare. I am someone who has been working in this field for many years and I can give insights into this topic.

While there is no official number on how many animals are killed for leather in India, it is estimated to be in the millions every year. The animals are primarily cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep. Once they are slaughtered, the skin is harvested for leather.

Unfortunately, the way these animals are treated sometimes isn't ethical at all - many leather manufacturers choose to source their leather from tanneries that pay little attention to the welfare of the animals they use. The animals are often subjected to harsh conditions and are slaughtered inhumanely.

However, there are some manufacturers in India who focus on ethical practices in the leather industry. They make sure the animals they use are treated humanely and the skin harvesting process is done properly to prevent unnecessary suffering.

In conclusion, while there is no exact number on how many animals are killed for leather in India, the industry itself can be quite inhumane. But there are manufacturers who do care about animal welfare and do their best to make sure their products are ethically sourced.

turner.sigrid

Hello,

I also share your concern regarding the leather industry and its impact on animal welfare. I recently read an article on this topic and found some interesting information.

According to the article, India is the world's second-largest producer of leather after China. They process a vast amount of cowhide, buffalo, and goat hides for export globally. The number of animals killed each year in India for the leather industry is approximately 1.5 billion, which is a staggering number.

What's even more concerning is that the leather industry in India has been linked to environmental pollution, which in turn can affect the health of the local population. The leather tanning process, which involves the use of a range of chemicals, can result in extensive wastewater discharge. This wastewater typically includes toxic substances such as chromium, lead, and sulfides that can cause health problems for people living in surrounding areas.

However, there are brands in the market that manufacture leather responsibly, and they try to reduce the impact on the environment and animal welfare. These brands work with certified suppliers who follow ethical practices to ensure the animals used for leather are treated humanely.

Overall, the leather industry in India is complex, and more needs to be done to ensure animals are treated well during their life cycle, and the environmental impact is minimized. It's essential to support brands that prioritize ethical and sustainable practices in the leather industry.

morgan.greenholt

Hello everyone,

I wanted to share my viewpoint on this topic and the ethical implications of the leather industry in India. As an environmental conservationist, I believe that the leather industry is not only unethical but also unsustainable.

The production of leather requires a large amount of resources, including land, water, and energy. In India, where droughts and water scarcity are widespread, it's extremely concerning that the leather industry consumes an enormous amount of freshwater that should otherwise be used for irrigation and other essential needs.

Moreover, the process of tanning results in a significant amount of waste that is usually dumped into rivers and waterways, leading to severe pollution and environmental degradation. The impact of this pollution is irreversible, and it jeopardizes the livelihoods and well-being of people, plants, and animals living in the vicinity of tanneries.

However, as with other goods, a change in consumer behavior can shift production and consumption habits. More individuals have started to embrace sustainable and ethical alternatives to leather, such as recycled or plant-based materials that have lower environmental and animal welfare costs.

In conclusion, we need to look beyond the traditional leather industry and advocate for more sustainable and responsible production systems. Governments, businesses, and individuals play a critical role in protecting the environment and animal welfare by promoting ethical and sustainable practices and making conscious consumer choices.

gerhard.fay

Hello everyone,

I would like to add something to this discussion based on my personal experience with the Indian leather industry. As someone who has worked in manufacturing, I have seen first-hand how the process of leather production can impact not only animal welfare but also the lives of those working in the industry.

In India, workers in the leather industry are often underpaid and subjected to harsh working conditions. They are frequently exposed to toxic chemicals that are used in the production of leather, leading to various health problems and diseases.

Furthermore, animals used for leather production often suffer from cruel and inhumane practices such as overcrowding, lack of food and water, and no proper care. Even those animals that aren't killed explicitly for the leather industry may suffer as leather producers go to great lengths to acquire hides in any way they can.

However, there is a growing awareness of ethical and sustainable leather production in India, and many brands are beginning to take this issue seriously and adopt responsible practices. Some are being increasingly transparent about their supply chains, ensuring their leather comes from reputable sources or providing alternative animal-free materials that are less harmful to the environment and animal welfare.

In conclusion, the leather industry in India is slowly evolving to become more ethical and sustainable, yet there is still a long way to go. As consumers, we can all play our part in the change by supporting ethical brands and demanding greater transparency in the supply chain.

obeier

Hello everyone,

I'm also interested in this topic as I have been to India several times. During my visit, I've seen firsthand the kind of impact that the leather industry can have on the environment and animal welfare in the country.

The leather industry in India has been associated with a range of ethical and environmental issues. Animals are often mistreated and kept in poor conditions, which is very saddening to see.

But, what's even more worrying is the environmental impact of the industry. As already mentioned, the leather industry releases toxic chemicals into the waterways, which can harm both people and wildlife.

To make matters worse, the vast majority of Indian leather is produced for export, often to countries where regulations on environmental and animal welfare standards are not as stringent as in India. It's vital that we, as consumers, are aware of this and consider the ethical implications of our fashion choices.

That being said, there are steps that we can all take to promote ethical and sustainable leather production. For instance, we can prioritize purchasing from brands that have transparent supply chains and use responsibly sourced leather. We can also choose to buy second-hand leather products, which reduces the demand for new leather.

In conclusion, the leather industry in India is complex, and there is no easy solution to the ethical and environmental challenges it presents. However, by being aware of the issue and making informed consumer choices, we can all play a role in moving towards a more ethical and sustainable leather industry.

maia.heathcote

Hey everyone,

I wanted to join the discussion on the leather industry in India and share a bit of my personal experience. As someone who has been involved in animal welfare, I've seen the devastating impact of leather production on animal lives.

According to reports, approximately 30 million of the cows that are used for leather in India are aged at 4 years or less. But, in reality, the natural lifespan of a cow or buffalo is between 18 to 25 years, so they're just used for their hides, and their meat isn't even consumed.

Additionally, one of the most concerning issues is the use of hazardous chemicals, such as chromium, that are used in the tanning process, which can have significant health consequences for both humans and animals.

However, I must say that I've also seen some positive developments. There are some brands in India that offer leather alternatives that are more eco-friendly and cruelty-free. Some of them use mushroom leather or pineapple leather, which is a great way to tackle this issue.

As consumers, we can make a difference by supporting brands whose values align with ours and embrace more ethical and sustainable alternatives. However, people must continue to speak up to encourage brands and governments to set regulations to ensure they promote ethical practices in the leather industry.

Lastly, we should all consider reducing our consumption of animal-based products and opt-in for more sustainable and ethical choices to promote a better future for the environment and animals.

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