India: Peta campaign spells trouble for city leather exporters

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Peta campaign spells trouble for city leather exporters

 

KOLKATA: Exporters of leather products in Kolkata have been hit hard

by the campaign against Indian leather launched by the People for

Ethical Treatment of Animals. Exporters to the United States are the

worst hit with business down nearly 70 per cent.

 

" Mega-brands and departmental chains in the Untied States have

stopped import of Indian leather fearing agitation by PeTA. Adidas-

Solomon, Gucci Group, Nike, and Reebok are among the companies that

have stopped purchase in the last one year, " Indian Leather Products

Association president MV Kulkarni said.

 

The Indian leather industry, plagued by PeTA's boycott, has a loss

pegged in excess of $40 million. PeTA has been campaigning against

overcrowding of animals in transport and charges of inhumane

slaughter at abattoirs in the country.

 

" PeTA has caused a big dent in our effort to export leather goods,

particularly to the US. We don't need to change our laws. They are

adequate. What is needed is enforcement of the laws, " Kulkarni said.

 

Leather product exporters like Kulkarni are now planning to import

hides from other countries to manufacture bags, gloves, belts and

other products for the US customers. " Our customers are very

satisfied with the quality of products. Their sole concern is that

the leather should be sourced from a country other than India or

China that are on the PeTA hitlist, " he said.

 

Speaking on the issue, industry sources said it was high time that

the government cleaned up abattoirs and enforced existing laws.

 

" If corrective measures are not taken, crores worth business will be

lost. Moreover, loss of overseas orders are difficult to regain, "

they said. According to the Centre for Leather Exports, a Union

commerce ministry sponsored body, gloves account for nearly Rs 300

crore of the Rs 1,400 crore leather business from the region.

 

(Times of India, 28 Sep 2002)