What’s in Your Jacket? National Humane Education Society

December 9, 2022

It is almost the coldest time of the year! The brisk time when people tend to start layering clothes. As well as stack on scarves, gloves, winter coats, and beanies. Have you ever considered what is inside your winter coat, pillows, or warm winter blanket?

A lot of these warm coats and blankets are filled with goose and duck down and feathers. Down refers to the soft layer of feathers closest to the goose or duck’s skin. Feathers are usually gathered after slaughter to create these winter items. However, around 2% of these feathers are collected when the birds are molting or by live plucking.

 Not all of these birds molt simultaneously, so those not molting would be subjected to live plucking. According to an article, “Live plucking occurs outside the molting season and refers to manually pulling feathers that are still attached to the bird. This procedure is a major welfare concern as live plucking results in bleeding and tearing of skin, causing pain, discomfort, and stress to the birds.”

80% of the down produced is in China. Live plucking is not allowed in China or anywhere else in the world. Despite that, cases of live plucking in China, Hungary, and Poland are still occurring. On top of that, these birds often suffer from live plucking repeatedly before slaughter.

What can you do to help?

A wide variety of synthetic options are available that are just as effective in the cold. The synthetic options are more affordable, lighter-weight, and hypoallergenic.

Here is a link to our website to learn more about animals in fashion.