The HSUS Praises Benetton Group for Adopting Fur-Free Policy

	The fur industry will kill millions of rabbits each year—but not for Benetton. ©iStockphoto/Perets

The Humane Society of the United States welcomes the announcement by Benetton Group that it will no longer sell products with animal fur, making it the latest international fashion giant to say "no" to animal cruelty.

The company stated that its new policy will go into effect across all brands by the spring/summer 2010 collections.

"With their new fur-free policy, Benetton and all of its influential brands are sending a powerful message that cruelty has no place in fashion," said Andrew Page, senior director of the Fur-Free campaign for The HSUS.

"We are thrilled to recognize Italy's largest retailer for setting a new standard of compassion—one which will undeniably reverberate throughout the global fashion industry," he continued.

Many Brands and Stores

This new policy, first announced in response to communications with several European animal protection groups, and confirmed by The HSUS, encompasses all Benetton Group brands, including United Colors of Benetton, Sisley, Undercolors, Playlife and Killer Loop.

Benetton Group has a network of more than 5,500 stores in 120 countries worldwide with a total annual revenue exceeding $2 billion. The company produces 160 million garments a year.

Fashionistas Jump on The Bandwagon

The Humane Society of the United States urges all designers and retailers to adopt fur-free policies to protect the more than 75 million animals who suffer and die annually for their pelts.

Only by not selling any animal fur can companies be assured they are not complicit in animal suffering, and that their consumers are protected from the rampant false advertising and labeling of real fur, which currently plagues the industry.

Benetton Group joins fashion giants Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, BCBGMAXAZRIAGROUP, Gap Inc., Limited Brands, JCPenney and Overstock.com.

What You Can Do

The HSUS maintains a list of fur-free designers and retailers that currently has more than 130 companies online. Check humanesociety.org/furfreeshopping before you buy.

Related Links

The Cruel Reality of Fur Production

Dog and Cat Victims of the Fur Trade

Fur-Free Designers and Retailers

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