In Old Pasadena, PETA Protesters Again Decry H&M Over Alleged Duck Suffering for Down Products

Half a dozen protesters with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals protested at a local clothing store this past Saturday.

This is the second time People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has protested at H&M on Colorado Boulevard.

As on Saturday, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals supporters staged a protest against H&M in Pasadena in December alleging the company uses duck down acquired by cruel and unethical means in its clothing products.

Down is the soft layer of feathers closest to birds’ skin, primarily in the chest region. These feathers are highly valued by manufacturers of down clothing and comforters because they do not have quills.

“The truth is ducks are live-plucked every six weeks, up to 16 times in their lives before they are slaughtered for their meat,” according to a flier released by the group.

The group also claims the ducks endure a painful stitching up process with no anesthetic and then must endure it again six weeks later.

“We only accept down or feathers from farms that are certified according to the Responsible Down Standard,” H&M said in December. “It is a global standard that allows companies to ensure that their certified down in their products comes from ethically treated geese and duck. H&M Group does not accept down or feathers from live-plucked birds or from farms practicing live-plucking or force-feeding practice.”