Why vegan?

Leather :: Wool :: Fur :: Animal Testing :: Down :: Silk

Your dog or cat. Skinned alive.

Can you imagine your dog or cat being skinned alive? Their terror? Their suffering? Their complete loss of dignity and freedom? And what wouldn't you do to stop that from happening?

There's no difference between that horrifying scenario and what happens to 50 million minks, foxes, seals, sables, lynx, wolves, coyotes, and other dogs (including raccoon dogs) and cats tortured and killed each year for their fur. 

Skinned alive. Often immediately preceded by anal or vaginal electrocution, and the slash of a knife to the anus or vagina. That's what happens. And for what? A bad fashion statement?

Live skinning is terrible. But it's just the end of a long series of crimes committed against these sensitive, innocent animals: crude steel traps that do severe bodily damage, including broken bones; superficial veterinary care, if any, for the ailments suffered from traps and unnaturally tight confinement; tiny rusted cages that induce insanity by monotony; and outdoor cages leaving these animals at the mercy of the elements for much of their lives. These are all degrees of suffering that none of us would wish upon our worst enemies.

What about faux fur?

Because faux fur often comes from places where the most basic consumer protections don't exist or aren't enforced, truth in labeling is hardly a given. An investigation of items labeled "faux fur" in stores throughout America revealed that a lot of "faux" is actually for real.

As for accurately labeled faux fur, it's a less cut-and-dry question. While it's true that faux doesn't directly contribute to the horrors just described, it might not be clear to others that your fur is fake. I suggest pairing your faux fur with a bold and compelling anti-fur pin or button to let people know that you don't wear actual body parts!

The bottom line.

If you could stop somebody from torturing and killing your dog or cat, would you? A better question: What wouldn't you do to stop them?

Thankfully, you don't have to save your companions from such a fate. But you can save others. It's up to individuals and businesses like us to make a stand. We won't lend our voices, images, and wallets to products that contain fur. The Ethical Man will never, ever trade body parts for money.

And whether or not you shop with us, we ask that you make a similar commitment: don't buy fur.

Thanks for reading,
Dan

summary

Buying fur supports the torture and killing of 50 million creatures, including dogs and cats, each year. These animals are maimed in traps, confined in small wire cages, made to endure harsh weather conditions, driven insane from the monotony of confinement, denied vital medical care to treat resulting physical trauma and disease, anally or vaginally electrocuted, and then skinned alive.

videos

WARNING: GRAPHIC TRUTH
The Fur Industry, part 1 (from Earthlings)

The Fur Industry, part 2 (from Earthlings)

A playful red fox:

Puppies!