Fashion Not Fur

With the success of Zara ceasing their sale of real fur (see last Networking Newsletter), anti-fur campaigners have been far from idle: the campaign soon started to persuade Harvey Nichols to stop selling real fur. Harvey Nichols, a British chain with stores in Man-chester, Leeds, London, Edinburgh and Birmingham (and 1 in Saudi!), have been selling an abundance of fur during the Winter season, including fox, coyote, finnraccoon and a great deal of rabbit fur.

Harvey Nichols have responded to customer complaints by saying they "consider very carefully any products that may contain fur" and that they "strive to avoid any upset to customers by only using fur from known sources"! They also claim the fur they use is a by-product of the meat industry. In response, CAFT have written asking how they justify the sale of fox, coyote and finnraccoon as those are all bred (or trapped) solely for their fur, for the single purpose of using their skins for the fashion industry.

It is imperative to point out that their "by-product" argument is a myth: rabbits are bred for meat and fur. They are crammed into tiny bare wire-mesh cages deprived of natural light and the ability to carry out any of their natural instincts and behaviour. If nobody buys rabbit fur then the rabbit farming industry would collapse as money made from the sale of the fur is essential. Involvement in the rabbit fur trade means horrific cruelty and Harvey Nichols are condoning that cruelty.

Protests will continue to take place at Harvey Nichols' stores as long as they sell any kind of fur. Protests at the Manchester store have been very successful so far and will continue until the company cease the sale of real fur and issue a statement pledging never to sell it in the future.

Take Action

Don't think that by simply not buying the fur it makes a difference! If Harvey Nichols think that nobody objects to the sale of real fur, where is the incentive for them to stop? If you agree the fur trade is indeed barbaric and unnecessary, write to Harvey Nichols either to the store manager or their HQ at 109-125 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7RJ (0870 873 3833). CAFT are holding regular protests outside the Man-chester store on Saturdays and Sundays and welcome support.

Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade (07761 533 152, [email protected])


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