Patagonia cuts ties with Ovis (ⅩⅩⅠ) after animal mistreatment investigation

摘要

Outdoor garment manufacturer Patagonia has severed its ties with its wool supplier Ovis (ⅩⅩⅠ), a grassland regeneration B Corp, following an investigation into inhumane animal treatment on a farm in Argentina in the Ovis (ⅩⅩⅠ) network. The investigation was launched after a video by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) emerged in August showing unethical methods of tail docking and castration of the animals, as well as inhumane slaughter practices. Patagonia had recently released its Merino Air baselayer, produced using wool from Ovis (ⅩⅩⅠ). Rose Marcario, the Patagonia CEO, said that it looked deep into its wool supply chain, after being "shocked by the disturbing footage of animal cruelty that came to light [in the investigation]." She added: "We've made a frank and open-eyed assessment of the Ovis programme. Our conclusion is that it is impossible to ensure immediate changes to objectionable practices on Ovis (ⅩⅩⅠ) ranches, and we have therefore made the decision that we will no longer buy wool from them. This is a difficult decision, but it's the right thing to do."