It is no secret that fur is flying in the United States – right off the shelves – but probably not in the way you think. Legislation prohibiting the sale and manufacturing of fur is gaining fast momentum across the United States. As Americans learn about the cruel and inhumane conditions on fur farms and the exploitation of wild animals for fur fashion, they are increasingly voicing their strong opposition to fur and advocating for both states and cities to ban fur.
Leading animal welfare states like California and New York have introduced legislation to ban the sale and manufacturing of fur statewide. American cities like West Hollywood, Berkeley, San Francisco, and, most recently, Los Angeles, have already banned fur, while New York City is looking to become the fifth city to do so, with legislation pending with the New York City Council.
Fur is a dying industry and the anti-fur movement is acting swiftly, with growing numbers of not only retailers and designers, but also fashion runways and magazines, adopting fur-free policies. The fur industry is realizing that they are losing the fur fashion battle and they are shaking in their boots!
Most recently, fur supporters showed their desperation by hiring people to pose as protesters opposing the proposed fur bans in California and New York. It was revealed that pro-fur supporters advertised through Facebook for people to attend the bill hearings in opposition, asking for “Anyone in LA down to make an easy $100 this Tuesday in Sacramento and fight tyranny.” In one instance, there was even a contract, including a media non-disclosure agreement, offering $175 per appearance. In New York, the pro-fur activist Reverend Johnnie Green offered $250 American Express gift cards to people who agreed to attend a New York City Council hearing on the proposed fur ban.
Unfortunately, paid protesting is growing, with established companies and organizations advertising for actors to attend a variety of political rallies posing as concerned citizens. But, in adopting this tactic, fur supporters are doing more harm than good to themselves and their cause. By resorting to hiring fake protesters, they are proving that the fur industry is dying and lacks true support. The future is indeed fur-free.
From Born Free USA’s point of view, we are glad that they have to resort to such dubious measures because the fact that they have to pay people for support means that our side is winning!
Keep Wildlife in the Wild,
Julie
