What are the animal welfare implications of the leather industry

In order to produce good quality leather, you need good quality raw materials. The quality of the hide is paramount. Just as with human beings, good skin requires good nutrition and care. Any marks on the skin severely reduce the value of the hide. Therefore, animal husbandry is critically important. The cattle, sheep, goats or pigs must be well cared for and not ill treated, badly housed or transported. The leather industry - in common with livestock farmers, farmers growing animal feed, veterinary specialists, people involved with animal welfare, husbandry and professional accredition schemes - hold the welfare of animals in high regard from birth until the end of their life.

Cattle, sheep, goat and pigs are raised for the production of milk, wool and food. These animals are never raised for the manufacture of leather. Hides and skins are waste materials from these products. If not converted into leather they create a huge environmental problem in terms of safe disposal. We all recognise that for a sustainable future waste, by-products, and used consumer goods need recycling, regeneration or conversion into new items. Leather is the prime example of a conversion into a new, highly durable and valuable resource.

Not only is the welfare of the animal important for the economic value of the skin, people working with leather appreciate the qualities and the history that each piece of leather brings to its final object. There is an issue of sensitivity in relation to the care of the animal, which whilst not legislated for, is considered correct and appropriate.