Fur is fatal, no matter how it's cut.
The fur industry is working on a whole new line. No longer limited to full-length mink coats or fox-fur jackets, fur trim is the rage. From suit collars to glove linings, fur trim is being used as an accessory for many fashion items. Fur-trimmed items currently are a half billion-dollar industry.
Fur trim is a frivolous luxury responsible for the deaths of millions of animals each year. The number of animals killed for fur trim is expected to overtake the number of animals killed for full-fur garments. Because the trim trade doesn't place as much emphasis on pelt quality, color, and uniformity, the quality of care given to furbearers is diminished.
Fashion to Die For
Although some consumers may brush off fur trim as less harmful to animals, that little bit of fur is just as deadly as the fur required for an entire coat. Fur trim is not made from scraps of leftover fur. An animal dies for each fashion item, whether fur trimmed or full length. And that death isn't pretty.
Trapped animals endure excruciating pain before they die or are clubbed to death by the trapper. Moreover, because there are no laws in the United States regulating the handling or killing of cage-raised, fur-bearing animals, these creatures are killed cost-effectively, not necessarily humanely. Common killing methods include asphyxiation with automobile exhaust, neck breaking, or electrocution.
Nearly all the foxes raised on fur farms end up as coat trimmings. Other animals typically used for trims include mink, chinchilla, raccoon, coyote, finraccoon (a wild Asian species related to the dog), lamb, and rabbit. And in 1998, an HSUS investigation revealed that dogs and cats were being killed in Asia and their fur sewn into trimmings and accessories. While new federal legislation bans the import, export, and sale of dog and cat fur products in the United States, illicit items may still be making their way into this country.
Real Fur or Faux?
Fur trim has permeated the retail market—it can be found in fashion boutiques and in discount department stores, and many of these stores sell both real fur and faux fur. A compassionate consumer may be confused by the low-end fur trims and the high-end faux furs.
Labeling isn't necessarily the answer, either. Because a label doesn't say "fur," don't assume it is synthetic. Look down into the fabric to see if the hairs are attached to skin (animal fur) or fabric (faux). If you aren't sure, don't buy it—and let the store know why. Or better yet, ask the store not to carry fur at all. Compassion has pushed full-fur garments to the fringe of the fashion industry. Now it is time to get rid of the trimmings.
Be fur free in the new century. Wear our FF necklace to show that you are fur free.
If you would like to learn more about fur trim, call 202-452-1100, email furfree@hsus.org, or write The HSUS, Fur-Free Campaign, 2100 L Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20037.
Download our brochure.
 |
Get Adobe Acrobat Reader |
