Last week’s “Look of the Week” column incorrectly implied that fur is making a comeback. According to the Humane Society of the United States, fur sales have steadily declined over the course of the past 20 years. After confronting the cruelty involved in fur production, consumers have rightfully rejected the use of animal pelts and skin for clothing.
Globally, 40 million animals are killed each year for their fur, according to Animal Aid. The majority of animals used in fur clothing spend their short, tortured existence on crowded farms before experiencing a painful and unnecessary demise.
Rabbits, minks and raccoons held captive for their fur experience death in the form of a snapped neck or electric shocks sent through electrodes inserted in the anus or attached to genitals in order to avoid losing money from damaged pelts.
The remaining 10 million wild animals killed for fur suffer equally by meeting a prolonged, cruel demise when trapped in sharp-jawed traps. These traps are indiscriminate in whom they catch, often ensnaring cats, dogs and large birds such as eagles.
Data gathered by Friends of Animals suggest that the lives of 42 foxes are extinguished to produce one coat. This number does not include the 126 “trash” animals killed simply because their pelts do not meet expected standards for fur coats.
No matter the price tag, fur comes at too high a cost for animals and the environment. The abundance of warm and fashionable alternatives prevents even personal vanity from serving as an excuse to wear fur.
Members of the American University community can express their compassion towards animals by celebrating Fur Free Friday Nov. 25 and committing along with millions of other Americans to oppose fur clothing. While rejecting fur, fur trim, leather and other products produced at the expense of animals seems like a small step, it is a choice that can mean the world to animals.
We urge The Eagle to take a strong stance on fur and refuse to feature any fashion involving such cruel practices. Retro clothing may be in, but fur is a trend that deserves to be left in the past.
William Theaker, CAS, 2014 and Taylor Kenkel, SOC, 2014. The authors are both members of American Vegan Outreach.
