(a) whether Daimler crysler has stopped the buying of Indian leather in protest against the treatment of animals by the leather industry in India;
(b) if so, the facts in this regard;
(c) the other companies which have also stopped buying Indian leather; and
(d) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to stop the illegal practices of this trade?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY (SHRI RAJIV PRATAP RUDY)
(a) to (c): Export of Upholstery leather from India to Germany is still continuing. Export of leather products to Germany are also continuing. Some of the International retail chains had at one stage either cancelled their import orders or decided to go slow on sourcing leather and leather products from India. However, most of the above companies have again started purchasing leather and leather products from India.
(d): To improve the plight of animals while in transit, Government has made concerted and coordinated efforts, with the involvement of State Governments, Railways, transporter/industry etc for ensuring strict compliance of the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty Act, 1960.