GUCCI has been slammed by customers and animal rights activists for using TIGERS as props

Gucci has come under fire from customers and animal rights activists after enlisting the use of real tigers to advertise its latest collection.

The prestigious Italian designer has launched clothes, shoes and accessories featuring the name of the big cat and images of them.

The Gucci Tiger collection includes a £1,280 small tote bag and a cotton sweatshirt for £890.

There is also a £750 G-Timeless 38mm watch and Men’s Ace sneakers for £520 on sale to celebrate 2022 being the Chinese Year of the Tiger.

GUCCI has been slammed by customers and animal rights activists for using TIGERS as props to promote its new fashion range

In the promotions the big cats can be seen sat perched on a grand piano, curled up on rugs and seen prowling around

In the promotions the big cats can be seen sat perched on a grand piano, curled up on rugs and seen prowling around

The Gucci Tiger collection includes a £1,280 small tote bag with the words 'GUCCI TIGER' emblazoned on the front

The Gucci Tiger collection includes a £1,280 small tote bag with the words ‘GUCCI TIGER’ emblazoned on the front

Critics of the campaign took to instagram to voice their concerns over the promotion of tigers in advertising in Gucci's campaign

Critics of the campaign took to instagram to voice their concerns over the promotion of tigers in advertising in Gucci’s campaign

But the high-end fashion houses used real tigers in adverts for the range.

In the promotions the big cats can be seen sat perched on a grand piano, curled up on rugs and prowling around.

Elisa Allen, director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), blasted Gucci saying it exploited the tigers and would encourage the illegal trade of the endangered animals.

She said: ‘Gucci is hopelessly out of touch with our current understanding of wild animals’ needs and best interests.’

The sneakers themselves were embroidered with a colourful tiger on the side

The watch also features a tiger on its clock face and tropical greenery around the strap

The collection includes a £750 G-Timeless 38mm watch and Men’s Ace sneakers for £520 to celebrate 2022 being the Chinese Year of the Tiger

As well as trying to promote their new tiger line, Gucci claims using tigers is a unique way to raise much-needed funds to protect endangered species and their natural habitats

As well as trying to promote their new tiger line, Gucci claims using tigers is a unique way to raise much-needed funds to protect endangered species and their natural habitats

Commenters took to instagram to share there dislike of Gucci's use of tigers in the campaign photos

Commenters took to instagram to share there dislike of Gucci’s use of tigers in the campaign photos

A cotton sweatshirt for £890 features in the Gucci tiger collection as the company celebrated the Chinese year of the tiger

A cotton sweatshirt for £890 features in the Gucci tiger collection as the company celebrated the Chinese year of the tiger

Taking to instagram to promote their range, Gucci claimed that 'nature, wildlife and its denizens' are important to the brand

Taking to instagram to promote their range, Gucci claimed that ‘nature, wildlife and its denizens’ are important to the brand

‘Tigers are not photo props to be exploited, and those used in the brand’s old-fashioned advertising campaign were likely taken from their mothers as cubs and condemned to spend their lives in cages.’

‘Such images fuel the illegal trade in wild animals by promoting ‘ownership’ of them.’

She added: ‘Today’s advanced special effects capabilities mean there is no excuse for tearing animals away from their families and homes.’

‘Subjecting them to the stress of transport, and placing them under the bright lights of a film, TV, or advertising set.

The campaign photos saw live tigers being used for the shoot, but Gucci insists the tigers were photographed in a safe environment

The campaign photos saw live tigers being used for the shoot, but Gucci insists the tigers were photographed in a safe environment

On social media, some commenters came out in support of the brand despite the use of tigers for their photoshoot

On social media, some commenters came out in support of the brand despite the use of tigers for their photoshoot

The director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals claims the promotion of products buy use of wild animals fuels illegal trade by promoting 'ownership' of them

The director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals claims the promotion of products buy use of wild animals fuels illegal trade by promoting ‘ownership’ of them

People voiced their concern online after Gucci showed of their campaign photos on their instagram page

People voiced their concern online after Gucci showed of their campaign photos on their instagram page

Gucci said no tigers were harmed and their welfare was checked on during the filming and photographing

Gucci said no tigers were harmed and their welfare was checked on during the filming and photographing

As well as getting blasted online, Elisa Allen called for Gucci to stop slaughtering animals for their skin, too

As well as getting blasted online, Elisa Allen called for Gucci to stop slaughtering animals for their skin, too

Followers of Gucci thought the tigers looked out of place and 'confused' about what they were being made to do

Followers of Gucci thought the tigers looked out of place and ‘confused’ about what they were being made to do

‘Gucci must urgently commit to never using wild animals in its campaigns – because cruelty is totally out of style.

‘While it’s at it, it needs to stop slaughtering animals for their skin, too, which PETA has shown causes extraordinary suffering.’

Customer Johanna Hallman fumed: ‘It’s not okay to have wild animals in advertising.’

Another – Juan Sebastian added: ‘Those tigers look confused.’

Guccis shared with their followers that they joined joined The Lion's Share Fund in February 2020

Guccis shared with their followers that they joined joined The Lion’s Share Fund in February 2020

Despite the public's protestations, Gucci stated that animal welfare organization, American Humane, monitored the set on which animals were present

Despite the public’s protestations, Gucci stated that animal welfare organization, American Humane, monitored the set on which animals were present

Gucci said no tigers were harmed and their welfare was checked on during the filming and photographing.

A Gucci spokesperson said: ‘Nature, wildlife and its denizens are particularly important to Gucci, which in February 2020 joined The Lion’s Share Fund.’

‘A unique initiative raising much-needed funds to protect endangered species and their natural habitats.’

‘A third-party animal welfare organization, American Humane, monitored the set on which animals were present and verified that no animals were harmed.’

‘Tigers were photographed and filmed in a separate safe environment complying to Gucci’s policies and then featured within the campaign.’