John Lewis Say No to Angora

Iconic department store John Lewis has become the latest retailer – joining the likes of Marks & Spencer, ASOS, H&M, Next and numerous other companies – to commit to implementing a permanent ban on angora wool in its future collections as well as a ban on the sale of third-party brands containing angora in its 40 department stores across the UK. Its compassionate decision comes after PETA released video footage of rabbits screaming as their fur is ripped from their bodies by farmers in China – where 90 per cent of the world’s angora wool comes from.

John Lewis has released the following statement: “[a]s a responsible retailer, John Lewis is committed to ensuring high standards of animal welfare in all stages of the supply chain and we require our suppliers to do likewise. As part of our ongoing programme of supply chain management, we recently contacted suppliers about concerns raised by customers around the sourcing of angora wool. While we found no evidence of unacceptable animal welfare practices, nevertheless we have decided to no longer include angora in future John Lewis own brand or branded products”.

Several companies have also suspended production of angora products but have yet to introduce the permanent bans that consumers are demanding, so PETA will continue to encourage them to do so. For an up-to-date list of retailers and their positions on angora, please click here or visit PETA.org.uk.