Where Does Leather Come From?

When you get ready for school in the morning, do you think about where your leather belt came from or who was killed for your leather shoes? Eight-year-old Rebecca did, and she decided to find out the truth.

What she discovered was shocking: It’s not only cows who suffer for clothing and accessories—many cats, dogs and other animals are killed for leather, too! ?

Most leather comes from countries like India and China, where there are few or no rules protecting animals. This means that many cows and other animals used for leather have their horns removed, their tails cut off, and their skin branded with burning hot tools, all without painkillers. Some animals are even skinned alive.

Luckily, there are lots of cute, comfortable, affordable materials that aren’t made of leather (or any animal skins) like cotton, flannel, polyester, and other cruelty-free fibers. So the next time your parents take you shopping, check clothing labels to make sure you’re not wearing anybody.

More shocking animals people wear!