Several major retailers have ceased selling brushes made with badger hair in response to advocacy from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The companies, including Neiman Marcus, Ulta, Kohl's, and Michaels, quietly removed these products from their shelves and websites over the past couple of months. Target is also in the process of removing such items from its online marketplace.
Target began removing paint and shaving brushes made from badger hair from its website after being contacted by The Post. A company spokesperson stated that Target is reviewing listings to ensure compliance with its policy, which bans the use of animal hair not derived from the food supply chain. The retailer had been offering a set of three paint brushes for $68.32 and men's shaving brushes, which were removed from its site by Friday.
PETA President Tracy Reiman communicated to Target's CEO that high-quality synthetic brushes can match or surpass the performance of those made with animal hair. To support its campaign, PETA presented retailers with a video documenting its spring investigation into China's badger-brush industry.
Investigation Highlights Cruelty Allegations
The video reportedly shows animals being subjected to abuse on badger farms in China, which is a primary supplier of bristles for shaving, makeup, and paint brushes. Footage allegedly depicts animals being beaten and stabbed while alive, as well as being kept in cramped cages with visible wounds. PETA Asia conducted the investigation.
This is not the first time PETA's efforts have led to retailers discontinuing badger hair products. A similar investigation in 2018 resulted in over 100 companies, including L'Oreal, Shick, Sherwin-Williams, Sephora, and Procter & Gamble, ceasing sales of such items. PETA has a history of targeting brands to phase out animal products, contributing to the decline in the use of fur by major fashion houses like Calvin Klein, Gucci, Chanel, and Versace. The organization's campaigns have also influenced companies like Canada Goose to end their use of fur trim.
In April and May, Ulta, Kohl's, and Michaels confirmed to PETA via email that they had removed badger-hair products. Neiman Marcus reportedly removed the items from its site without direct communication with the animal rights group. Ulta had previously offered brushes from brands like Muhle and Taylor of Old Bond Street, while Michaels carried products from Escoda and Da Vinci.