"RABBIT FUR FARMING REVEALED: An unacceptable practice for
the sake of human vanity" By Gary Loewenthal
Rabbits in fur and meat farms have miserable short lives. They are crowded together in small wire cages. They have no solid floor on which to sleep or stand. They get no exercise because they're never allowed out of their tiny quarters. They have no privacy. They're practically crawling over one another. They receive no veterinary care, even if very ill. From the breeder's standpoint, it's not cost effective. The rabbits are slaughtered by having their heads bashed against a wall. A few incisions are made in the fur, and their skin is literally pulled off them. Since the killing methods are imperfect, it's inevitable that some rabbits are still conscious when their fur is removed.
Most of the rabbits used in fur production come from China. The business is unregulated and punishment for animal cruelty is virtually unheard of. Unfortunately this is the case with all fur farms, including those in the U.S.; funding for governmental oversight is minimal, enforcement lax, and prosecution unusual.
Fur vendors frequently claim that the fur is a "by-product" of the Chinese meat industry. That's deceptive. The fur is a product, not a by- product, because it generates revenue. It encourages more breeding of rabbits. Furthermore, rabbits with the thicker fur desired by designers and manufacturers are not necessarily those bred for meat. The bigger the market for rabbit fur, the more likely that rabbits are bred primarily for their fur. In the developed world, fur is entirely unnecessary. Synthetics look great, feel great, and are cheaper to produce. Fur is currently being marketed heavily, which drives up demand. The solution is to reduce demand. One of the most effective ways to do that is to let people know of the suffering that goes into every fur garment and a reminder that faux fur is a perfect substitute and widely available. Here's what you can do:
- Always check the label when buying anything that faintly resembles fur, including cat toys, gloves, handbags, and figurines. If the label does not specifically indicate that the item is made from synthetic materials, don't buy it. It might be made from rabbit fur.
- Let retailers know that you are offended by their fur clothing. Ask to be removed from mailing lists. Cut up and return your store credit card. Politely complain to salespeople. Some may feel the same as you. Below are the snail mail and e-mail addresses of some of the worst offenders. Keep in mind that personal letters are usually more effective.
-Educate yourself on the horrors of fur, and enlighten skeptical friends and family members, by visiting these websites: Click on the link to sign the petition.