On Black Friday, campaigners want want people to turn their back on a “brutal” industry
An array of stars have joined a campaign to end the fur trade.
Ricky Gervais, Joanna Lumley and comedian Sara Pascoe are backing Animal Defenders International (ADI), calling for people to back fur free Friday (24 November).
On so-called Black Friday, they want people to turn their back on what they say is a “brutal” industry.
Sara Pascoe said: “With so many alternatives to fur available, no animal need suffer. Using the real thing is cruel and unnecessary. Please join me and ADI in supporting the designers whose fabrics, but not principles, are fake.”
Since the launch of ADI’s shocking films A Lifetime (see above) about the brutal short lives of two foxes, brothers Borys and Eryk, and ‘Never Humane’ exposing inhumane killing on a Polish fur farm, celebrities have lined up to speak out against wearing fur.
ADI’s findings reveal a cruel industry hidden behind images of beauty and luxury; the desperation and suffering of sensitive, intelligent, foxes deprived of their natural lives and intensively farmed in barren, cramped, filthy conditions.
The lifelong stress, deprivation and extreme confinement causes both psychological and physical damage.
Wild foxes are trapped in small bare wire cages, with babies torn from their mothers at just a few weeks old.
After only seven short months, the young foxes are dragged from the cages by their tails, hung upside down and electrocuted in front of their families and other animals on the farm. Aware of what will happen to them, the animals desperately attempt to evade capture, clinging onto the mesh.
ADI president Jan Creamer said: “Animals farmed for their fur endure a lifetime of suffering and a terrifying, painful death. Buying fur buys cruelty and we urge shoppers to say no to fur and help ADI end this brutal trade”.
Worldwide every year over 110 million animals are killed on fur farms, with more than 16 million trapped in the wild for their fur. Over 15 million foxes are killed in a year, usually for trinkets, trims and accessories.
Creamer said compassionate shoppers are being tricked into buying real fur – as some products being sold as “fake” have been found to contain the real thing.
ADI advises ethical shoppers to report items that are not labelled, or mislabelled, and is providing advice on how to identify the real fur being sold as ethical fake.
Actress Joanna Lumley, said: “Be comfortable in your own skin, and not that of a poor defenceless animal caged and killed to provide it. Say no to fur and yes to helping these fashion victims. Please help ADI stop this brutal trade.”
Comedian Ricky Gervais: “Fashion is a form of escapism for many but for the animals, imprisoned and denied their most basic needs, death is the only escape. It doesn’t have to be this way – save lives by going fur-free and supporting ADI.”
