Video and Reportback for Fur Free Friday, 2006
author: Jim Lockhart
 e-mail: eagleye@PhilosopherSeed.org
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Today, November 24, 2006, in downtown Portland Oregon about 150 people took to the streets to bring attention to the gross cruelty involved in the fur industry. The protest was organized by the Portland chapter of In Defense of Animals, who this day celebrate a one year educational protest of Schumacher Furs.
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Today, November 24, 2006, in downtown Portland Oregon about 150 people took to the streets to bring attention to the gross cruelty involved in the fur industry.
The protest was organized by the Portland chapter of In Defense of Animals, who this day celebrate a one year educational protest of Schumacher Furs. Beginning with a rally here at Schumacher Firs at 9th and SW Morrison, the gathering then toured various fur establishments or shops who sell items made with or adorned with animal fur.
Stops were made at Nicholas Ungar Firs, Sacs Fifth Avenue and Nordstroms, where Matt Rossell, of In Defense of Animals, spoke of the incredible cruelty and callousness involved in the raising, killing and skinning of these animals. In an interview before the march began, Matt said that this torture is, "all about fashion and vanity, and needs to end."
Besides these three stops, the crowd also gathered across from Pioneer Square to educate shoppers about details of the process used by the fur industry in order to bring the fur coats and other fur items to market. These animals are caged their entire lives, often in filthy living conditions, amounting to torture. Sensory deprivation and thirst, among other things, drive many animals crazy. They pace, mutilate themselves, and sometimes even kill their cage mates.
These animals have emotional lives, perhaps not as broad as do human beings, but certainly as deep. Anyone who has had a pet can testify to the depth of attachment, affection and loyalty shared on a daily basis. They can equally feel depressed, frightened, and rage. Watching other animals killed, they know what is coming, and can only remain helplessly in their cages for their turn. And death is no relief, as anal electrocution is the common form of killing them. A metal rod is stuffed up their rectum, and the electricty is sent through their bodies. This form of death is not quick or painless, and often the rod slips out and the animal must endure further electrical shock, before death from massive hear failure.
Matt also described the skinning of these animals, where some may not be quite dead, and awaken to be skinned alive. All this so a human being can wear fur, as a sign of prestige or wealth.
After the tour of downtown Portland, the march returned to Schumacher Furs where they promised, "all your torture, all your greed; we'll be here until the animals are freed." Matt finished off by requesting that we all make this a cruelty free holiday, and not buy fur.
Included in this report is a 7 minute video of the event.
Fur Free Friday, DSL/CABLE Stream
Fur Free Friday, 56K Stream
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