 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||
 |
 |
 |
|
|
June 1999 New
report exposes cruel farming In a new report released today by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), the cruel and primitive farming of thousands of wild civets in Ethiopia for their musk for the perfume industry is exposed. The report, 'Civet Farming; An Ethiopian Investigation', is based on an undercover WSPA investigation carried out into civet farms. "WSPA discovered the existence of a medieval-like practice in which the most basic welfare needs are neglected. The exploitation of these animals to provide musk for the perfume industry is totally unacceptable," says Kylie Jones, Regional Manager for WSPA Australia and New Zealand. WSPA's report details how African civets, fox-like in appearance, are taken from the wild and kept individually in primitive wooden cages, measuring just 3ft x1ft x1ft, for the rest of their lives. Their cages are so small that they are unable to even turn around until they have lost weight. Perfume makers have prized Civet musk for centuries because of its distinctive odour and ability to preserve the smells of more delicate fragrances. Musk is taken every 9-15 days through a process that is so traumatic and painful that many civets refuse to take food and starve to death after they have musk extracted for the first time. WSPA has been told by one farmer that almost 40% of civets taken from the wild may die in the first three weeks. There is no legislation concerning the capture or care of civets and wounds are left untreated. More than 3,000 civets are kept captive in over 200 farms in Ethiopia, which is the only country known to export musk. At least 1,000 kgs are exported from Ethiopia, 97% of which is for the perfume industry in France.. The average yearly amount of musk taken from a single civet can produce 3000 litres of perfume. Exporters receive around $400 for each kilogram of civet musk, with farmers receiving about half that amount. WSPA commissioned laboratory tests of several popular fragrances. Results showed the presence of natural civet in Chanel No5, one of the world's most popular perfumes. However, Chanel had stated to WSPA that they "no longer source natural civet". When informed of the test result, Chanel admitted to WSPA that they are currently using up their remaining stock of natural civet and no longer purchase the ingredient. Lancome, also using natural civet, have expressed an intention to substitute civet musk in the near future. Overall, WSPA questioned more than 40 perfume brand representatives, manufacturers, distributors and trade bodies, finding that:
"Despite our repeated efforts, it seems that a large proportion of the fragrance industry is reluctant to come clean on the use of civet musk. As long as it continues to be used, all consumers should be wary of the perfumes they buy and seek clarification from the manufacturers. We are urging the fragrance industry not to use natural civet musk. In addition, we are asking consumers not to buy products containing natural civet and to write to companies asking for their policy on the use of animal ingredients and testing in their products," says Ms Jones.
Available on request:
Please contact:
|
|||
