All of the animals whose skins Kat van Duinen use aren’t bred only for their skin: their meat, fur or feathers are also sold, so that there is as little wastage as possible.

For example, ostrich meat is highly sought after, given its healthy, lean nature compared to other kinds of red meat. Even an ostrich’s feathers are sold, and any other unused parts of the animal are often used for pet food or pet treats, ensuring that there is minimal wastage.

All of the suppliers used by Kat van Duinen are legally required to ensure that their animals receive these freedoms:

• Freedom from hunger or thirst by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
• Freedom from discomfort by providing an appropriate environment, including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
• Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment which avoid mental suffering.

All of the farmed animals whose skins are sourced by Kat van Duinen are fed plentiful diets, none of which contain animal proteins. In addition, it is important to note that the better you treat an animal, in every sense of the word, the healthier its coat or skin is. Since Kat van Duinen uses only the highest-quality leather and skins, the ill-treatment of animals is completely unacceptable – not only for the wellbeing of the animals involved, but also to protect the quality of the skins used.

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All animals are slaughtered in South African- and EU-approved abattoirs, following strict regulations that ensure minimal stress and pain. According to law, animals are stunned to ensure that slaughtering is painless.

All of the farms used by Kat van Duinen are licensed to breed, farm and slaughter their respective animals. Licensing includes accreditation from the ISO, the South African National and Provincial Veterinary and Agricultural authorities, and various international safety regulators to allow for exportation.

The farms are regularly inspected by the NSPCA and South Africa’s Department of Agriculture. All farms have to re-register each year and submit to bi-annual, unannounced inspections that not only observe the safety and wellbeing of the farmed animals, but also the quality of food, space and plants on the farm.

In essence, unhealthy, unhappy animals do not grow well and have poor skin quality, meaning that there is absolutely no reason for Kat van Duinen to ever source its skins or leather from farms where animals are mistreated.

Kat van Duinen is proud to support the ethical and humane production of exotic skins which provides innumerable jobs in South Africa and forms an invaluable and ethical part of South Africa’s economy.