ETHICAL DILEMMA FOR USING ANIMAL SKIN

ON LVMH PRODUCTS

SYNDICATE GROUP 8

Aulia Nur Cahyo 29319109

Galih Ghanesa Cakra Nugroho 29319103
Ghaida Rifara Elverina 29319111
Gu Jia 29319704
Raka Nuralif Verdiyanto 29319102
Yogo Prihandoko 29319107

GENERAL MANAGEMENT – 9
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS & MANAGEMENT
INSTITUT TEKNOLOGI BANDUNG
1. Case Overview
In an undercover investigation, the famous animal welfare organization PETA
(People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has exposed the HORRORS which
happen behind closed doors of multinational companies and luxury brands. PETA is
the largest animal rights organization in the world. They are against animal abuse and
suffering among kind of industry. In this case, LVMH Moët Hennessy as one of the
multinational fashion group that consists of Louis Vuitton, Dior, Charles & Keith, Celine,
and others fashion and leather goods.
Over 10,000 crocodiles are captured and kept in extremely tiny places in so-called
'skin farms' where the poor reptiles struggle to move and are forced to live in miserable
conditions until it is time for them to be slaughtered. The farm owner has revealed that
they supply crocodile skin to multiple renowned luxury brands and the farm is a prime
supplier to Louis Vuitton and its parent company LVMH. The skin is processed and
made into watch bands, belts, shoes, bags, and wallets. Workers on the farm have
also admitted that the animals are indeed skinned alive. The skinning process takes
about 20-25 minutes per crocodile but the reptile stays alive for another hour after their
necks are ripped open. PETA has urged people to stop buying leather products and
opt for brands who believe in zero cruelty to animals. Only if we boycott them and stop
purchases will these multinational giants stop their production.

2. Contra Argument
a. Agree with PETA to stop using animal skin
To making one “luxury” Louis Vuitton leather bag took three to four crocodile
skins. There is some cruelty exposed behind the making of it. PETA already took
some actioned in delicate and aggressive way. PETA bought LVMH stock in 2017
order to pressure the company to stop using animal skins. They presented in
LVMH shareholder annual meeting to get noticed and aspirate their concern
directly to the board of directors of LVMH. But still LVMH representatives had
nothing in comment. In PETA website, there is petition action urge LVMH stop
shed exotic skins of reptiles.
We are supporting PETA to urge LVMH stop using reptiles exotic skins
especially crocodile for their own goods. In consumer perspective, you need to be
curious about how and where your “luxury” bags coming from. Because some
people are often blind to the cruelty behind the leather.

b. Wearing animal skin or fur is totally unacceptable. Why would a person wish
to wear the skin of another being is completely beyond me.
We all are well aware of the fact that the animals slaughtered to make us
look prettier, are capable of loving, feeling pain and happiness, just like us. Why
can't we just let them be? Why snatch there joy and their livelihoods? Is humanity
so obnoxious that they can't even take a second to think about the unnecessary
pain they inflict? For this world's sake we have to stop and really think about what
we are doing. How can't you realise that the notion of taking lives just to wear their
skins is completely ridiculous. The times when early humans took off the skins of
animals they killed is gone. Today we have hundreds of sensible options to cover
our bodies. Then why do we need to stick to the cruelty of unnecessary killing.
 c. We, as people would not want animals to wear us. So why let us as people
kill them to do what we wouldn’t want.
People buy fur just so they can look "good" or make them seem rich. All it
shows about the person if they have no heart. If wearing another living being on
their body does not seem wrong to them, then they are the problem. Don't wear
animals just so you think you look good, because you don't and all it does is make
you a cruel hearted person.

3. Pro Argument
a. Louis Vuitton is not a new fashion company that built one or two years ago. It has
been established since 1854. They are just serving the needs of the customers.
They just offering the woman’s bag from crocodile skin for example because the
market appreciated it and even the demand was increased by 10 % in 2015.
b. Like cow and lamb, the crocodile that use for the fashion industry is also farmed
by them. Even if it is below the standard, but LVMH vows to upgrade it.
c. No, it is not acceptable to ban the making and selling of leather and fur. These
things have been used from animals since humans were first started. There is
nothing wrong with using animals for things, as long as you use all that you can
and kill them in a humane manner.

4. Conclusion and Suggestion

The advice given in this case, that is, LVMH as a company should be more aware of
the dangers of using reptile skin for fashion products. For example in 2017 Gucci
announced that starting in the Spring 2018 collection, Gucci will not "use, promote or
publish animal fur" for any product. With the support of HSUS, the Humane Society of
the United States, Gucci decided to join the Fur Free Alliance. Fur Free Alliance, is an
international coalition of 40+ animal protection organizations that work together to end
animal cruelty in the fur industry. Not only Gucci but there are many luxury brands that
have been included in this organization including Chanel, Versace, Tommy Hilfiger
and others, maybe the same thing should be done by LVMH to be more concerned
about the importance of the environment and join the Fur Free Alliance in the future.

5. References
https://secure.petaasia.com/page/36390/action/1?locale=en-US
https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/peta-statement-louis-vuittons-outrage-
hasnt-helped-animals/
https://www.peta.org/media/news-releases/peta-member-to-confront-louis-vuitton-
executives-at-annual-meeting/
https://www.peta.org/blog/peta-confront-louis-vuitton-shareholder-meeting-paris/
https://wolipop.detik.com/fashion-news/d-3080909/louis-vuitton-rilis-tas-kulit-buaya-
lebih-mahal-dari-mobil-mercedes-benz
https://www.thejakartapost.com/life/2019/02/19/lvmh-vows-new-standards-for-
crocodile-farms.html
https://www.politicsivory.org/blog/why-your-titles-should-be-no-longer-than-this