Many people buy fur they believe - or even are told - is fake, but it comes from dogs and cats and rabbits slaughtered in Asia. Even worse than the killing is the fact that these animals are often visciously abused before they are killed for food. Stress and live beatings tenderizes the meat. I have seen video of dogs hung loosely by the neck off a fence for days, slowly choking to death without food, water or ability to breathe - all so that our coats and hats can have pretty fur trim.

Even many of the furry pet toys sold in North American stores are made of dyed and/or shaved dog or cat fur.

And might I add that the Bay buys and sells fur from animals killed slowly in cruel leghold traps - so animal lovers might want to consider where we spend our holiday shopping dollars.

As for the purchase of "fake fur", it perpetuates the acceptability of the look. Animal Advocates is "dead" right - we should just avoid buying anything that even remotely looks like fur. It looks best on the animals!

Donna Passmore
Canine Advocates (CAWS)