'Unspeakable Cruelty': Joaquin Phoenix Condemns the Down Industry
Actor Joaquin Phoenix has narrated a video about a new investigation revealing the abuse routinely carried out against ducks at “Responsible Down”–certified farms and slaughterhouses.
Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix has made a plea for people to avoid products that contain down in a new video detailing the “unspeakable cruelty” inflicted on ducks in the industry.
His call follows a new investigation into a Responsible Down Standard (RDS)–certified supplier in Vietnam, which is allegedly connected with major retailers, including Gap Inc., Guess, and H&M.
The exposé by animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Asia (PETA Asia) reveals workers electrocuting, stabbing and hacking apart birds to be sold by Vietnamese supplier, Vina Prauden, under the misleading RDS.
“PETA Asia’s investigators went inside farms and slaughterhouses in Vietnam that are connected to companies that sell so-called ‘responsible’ down—including GAP Inc., Guess, and H&M—and uncovered unspeakable cruelty to birds,” said Phoenix.
Footage shows a worker violently grabbing ducks and forcing their legs into shackles before dragging them through an electrified water bath meant to paralyze them but not render them unconscious, as is required by the standard, according to PETA.
Workers were then seen slitting the birds’ throats while they were still conscious, with some of the ducks seen moving for at least a minute afterwards. Some of these still-conscious birds’ feet were cut off while they were writhing on the ground. The slaughterhouse owner told investigators that her employees never check for signs of consciousness before stabbing ducks in the neck to kill them, stated PETA.
Some were breathing with their mouths open, which is often a sign of stress, overheating, or a respiratory infection. Others suffered from gaping, bloody wounds. Many had difficulty walking or were unable to stand up at all, possibly as a result of severe infections or fractured legs.
Other clips in the video show the birds living in filthy sheds and on barren lots "littered with feces" while "many appeared sick and some had sustained bloody wounds,” as Phoenix narrates.
“The only way to end this cruelty and spare ducks is to stop buying items that contain feathers,” said Phoenix, a long-time vegan and animal activist, in the video. “Please remember to check labels, and if they list ‘down’ or ‘responsible’ down, think of these ducks and leave the item on the rack or shelf.”
Responsible Down Assurance: “A Veil of False Assurances”
The footage is from a 13 month-long investigation, from November 2021 to November 2022, which saw investigators visit duck farms and slaughterhouses in Vietnam connected to companies that sell “responsible” down”. This is the eighth time the animal rights organization has exposed cruelty within the down industry.
“The Responsible Down Standard program is used to assure customers that down from abused birds doesn’t end up in products, but nothing could be further from the truth,” said Phoenix.
“The RDS is a veil of false assurances about animal welfare that do little or nothing to protect the animals who continue to be exploited and killed for profit,” stated PETA.
One slaughterhouse owner who confirmed that her business was RDS-certified admitted that it’s audited only every two years despite the stated RDS requirement for annual audits, according to PETA.
Innovative Alternative Materials
Credit: PANGAIA
“The appalling cruelty uncovered by this investigation shows why even purportedly responsible down is never ethical or humane. The only way to ensure that no birds suffer for your clothing or bedding is to choose vegan materials,” added PETA.
More and more companies are turning to innovative materials that are better for both birds and the environment. For example, materials science company, the PANGAIA collective, has created FLWRDWN a fluffy, one-of-a-kind vegan down made from wild flowers by materials science company. Meanwhile, the premium insulation and fabric brand, PrimaLoft, offers 100 percent vegan items that use a proprietary microfiber structure to keep the body warm.
Learn more about next-gen materials with our recent podcast episode with Sydney Gladman and Ranjani Theregowda of Material Innovation Initiative (MII), the non-profit that’s advancing these materials here.
And check our more down-free material alternatives here.
We Have A Favor To Ask…
Species Unite amplifies well-researched solutions to some of the most abusive animal industries operating today.
At this crucial moment, with worldwide momentum for change building, it’s vital we share these animal-free solutions with the world - and we need your help.
We’re a nonprofit, and so to keep sharing these solutions, we’re relying on you - with your support, we can continue our essential work in growing a powerful community of animal advocates this year.
More stories:
Species Unite
A collection of stories of those who fight the good fight on behalf of animals.
Meat giant JBS USA misled consumers with fake sustainability claims to boost sales, the lawsuit alleges.