Tell Yves Saint Laurent to stop using captive wild animals in their promotions

BACKGROUND | FROM TAKE ACTION FOR ANIMALS

In a recent television commercial for Opium fragrance, Yves Saint Laurent used a leopard. Contact the CEO of the parent company, PPR, and urge him to not only discontinue this advertisement, but to also never use any captive wild animal in future promotions. Also write to Yves Saint Laurent and ask the same.

Be aware that you may get a standard response that the use of the leopard was approved by a “humane” organization. This is meaningless in that any humane organization that approves of using captive wild animals in commercials is not advocating for the animals. The real issue is that wild animals should not be in captivity and should certainly not be exploited for commercial gain. It would be appropriate, therefore, to start your message to the effect that you are not referring to overt animal abuse in the usual meaning of the term. Keeping leopards (wildlife in general) in captivity is the issue and no one can provide the kind of environment and choices so important to the well-being of these individuals.


WHOM TO CONTACT

Contact information for PPR:

Web form: In the form that comes up, address your message to François-Henri Pinault, Chairperson and CEO. Choose the category “Corporate Social Responsibility.”

Contact information for Yves Saint Laurent:

Web form for the United Kingdom: In the form that comes up, the only relevant choice is “General Inquiry.”

Web form for the United States: In the form that comes up, the only relevant choice is “General Inquiry.”

SAMPLE LETTER

Dear Chairperson Pinault

or

To Whom It Concerns,

I am writing today to express my disturbance regarding a recent television commercial for Opium fragrance in which Yves Saint Laurent used a leopard.  You should know that, although not victims of overt abuse, these animals are victims of the captive wild animal industry: a shady collection of deals sacrificing these animals, stealing them from their families and necessary indigenous environments and choices, which are impossible to mimic outside their natural territory, an essential aspect of their well-being.  They are then subjected them to routine nonsense,  being purposely taught unnatural tricks and actions to use on shows and commercials such as yours.

You are therefore complicit in their abuse, as detailed above.  As such, I am requesting that producers implement protocols banning the use of any animals.  Although I may be just one voice; it is important to recognize that consumers are increasingly rejecting any type of entity that endorses animal cruelty and are instead choosing products and manufacturers that refuse to participate in the deliberate abuse of animals.

This type of exploitation is unnecessary, unjustified, and unprincipled, its only function to egotistically benefit those who pursue profit at the expense of integrity. Animals have rights to live free from suffering and interference regardless of objections to acknowledge such, and as long as you promote the commodification of animals, complicit in their exploitation, I will boycott Yves Saint Laurent and all related products and share this information with friends, family, and online social networking groups.

Thank you for taking the time to consider this important message.



See More:

• Earthlings

• Cruelty-Free

• Compassionate Eating

captive wild animals are living beings
they are neither fashion accessories
nor props
a wrong message you are sending
this insensitivity has to stop!!!

Karen Lyons Kalmenson