In an undercover investigation, the famous animal welfare organization PETA has exposed the HORRORS which happen behind closed doors of multinational companies and luxury brands. According to the sting operation, over 10,000 crocodiles are captured and kept in extremely tiny places in so-called 'skin farms' where the poor reptiles struggle to move and are forced to live in miserable conditions until it is time for them to be slaughtered.

Thousands of healthy crocodiles are being taken away from their natural habitat only to be killed so that humans can buy accessories made of their skin and flaunt their 'luxurious' lifestyle.

(Peta)

A shocking, heart wrenching and graphic footage shared by PETA shows how crocodiles are electrocuted at first in order to catch them. From their homes, they are moved to these 'farms' which are nothing but enclosed concrete walls and dirty water.

So small, that crocodiles are forced to climb over each other in order to move. They live there for about 15 months and wait for their turn to be slaughtered.

(Peta)

And, when that day comes, the crocodiles are put on a table with their mouths tied shut while a person holds their tail and the other cuts their necks open and rams an iron rod inside them, while they are still alive. In fact, the reptiles are skinned alive and can be seen moving even after the process is done in the video.

They suffer, suffer, and suffer until they die so some rich kids can flaunt their wealth. When did taking the life of a living being became a style statement?

(Peta)

The footage was recorded in Vietnam but there are similar farms spread across the world, especially in the areas of the US and Africa. The farm owner has revealed that they supply crocodile skin to multiple renowned luxury brands and the farm is a prime supplier to Louis Vuitton and its parent company LVMH. The skin is processed and made into watch bands, belts, shoes, bags, and wallets.

(Peta)

After the insertion of rods, the reptiles are forced to bleed out and die. A reptile expert who watched the clip has revealed that “the neck incisions would have been very painful and inhumane. There is no probability that these animals ‘died instantly.'”

Workers on the farm have also admitted that the animals are indeed skinned alive. The skinning process takes about 25-20 minutes per crocodile but the reptile stays alive for another hour after their necks are ripped open.

(Peta)

PETA has urged people to stop buying leather products and opt for brands who believe in zero cruelty to animals. Only if we boycott them and stop purchases will these multinational giants stop their production.

The sickening video has now gone viral on the internet and sparked a major backlash from people who just can't believe what they saw. Save those poor forgotten animals and sign a petition urging LVMH to stop THIS. Take action.

(Peta)

There's another campaign people have started which aims to stop the crocodile hunting and skinning them alive in Vietnam farms. "Exotic animals such as crocodiles and alligators are maintained to be skinned alive for skin and meat. Although crocodiles can live up to 60 years, farmed crocodiles are usually slaughtered before the age of 2 years, as soon as they reach a length of 4 to 6 feet. Crocodiles on the farm can be beaten to death with hammers and axes, sometimes staying conscious and in pain for hours after they are skinned...We hope that with small movement by signing this petition, we can reduce and even stop animal abuse, especially crocodiles and alligators skinned alive for branded bags," reads the petition. Sign it here. Boycott leather. Watch the horrifying video. (Warning: Graphic content)