bebe Bans Exotic-Animal Skins Following Talks With PETA

Cruelty to Alligators and Crocodiles Prompts Retailer to Adopt Policy Change

For Immediate Release:
October 19, 2015

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

San Francisco –

After hearing from PETA about the extreme suffering of reptiles raised and killed for clothing and accessories, retail giant bebe agreed to a permanent ban on all exotic-animal skins in its product lines. The decision follows PETA’s shocking investigation of alligator and crocodile farms in the U.S. and Africa, where crocodiles are imprisoned in dark, dank, and crowded concrete pits for their entire lives before they’re crudely skinned. Some animals were still conscious, flailing and kicking, even minutes after workers tried to kill them.

“bebe’s ethical decision to keep exotic-animal skins off its shelves makes sound business sense, as customers are increasingly turning away from the industry’s cruel treatment of animals,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “With such a vast array of stylish cruelty-free shoes, purses, belts, and wallets available, PETA is encouraging all companies to wash their hands of this bloody business now.”

bebe joins top retailers—including Ann Inc., H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Topshop, Adolfo Domínguez, Mango, Cole Haan, Nike, Adidas, and more—in steering clear of exotic skins, and for good reason. As documented by PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to wear”—in Africa, Asia, and the U.S., reptiles are hunted or raised barbarically and are often sawed open while they’re still alive. PETA Asia’s undercover investigations have shown that live snakes are nailed to trees by their heads before their skin is torn off their writhing bodies. Hunters snare wild lizards and cut them apart with a machete, sever their heads, and then skin them, usually while they’re still alive. bebe understands that with so many stylish and cruelty-free alternatives available, like “fake snake” and “mock croc,” there’s no justification for supporting this cruelty.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.