A shocking new video investigation into the exotic skins trade reveals the horrific methods used to kill reptiles. The Swiss TV Station, Schweizer Fernsehen recently released a 15 minute news report on the skin trade. The video shows live lizards with their arms and legs tied, being stored in bags cramped full with other lizards. These bags are then emptied on the floor so the lizards can have their heads smashed in with a hammer and chisel. The investigation also shows lizards and snakes being skinned alive and left to suffer an agonizing death. Live snakes are hung up on a wall with hooks inserted into theirheads. They then have a hose pushed deep into their throats to fill their bodies with  water. This process, known as 'watering',  is employed to loosen the skin of the snake by making them extremely full and bloated. In doing so, the worker is able to skin the animal with more ease.

Cartier is one of the most recognized leaders in luxury watch manufacturing and uses thousands upon thousands of reptile skins each year for it's watch straps. This petition sends emails to 10 of Cartier's main offices including the Cartier Head Quarters.

Watch the Exotic Skin Video Investigation Here (Note it is in German)

http://www.tagesschau.sf.tv/Nachrichten/Archiv/2010/10/06/Schweiz/Schockierende-Bilder-Schlangen-leiden-fuer-die-Luxusbranche?WT.zugang=front_na4

To learn more on exotic skins visit: http://www.actionforourplanet.com/spotlight