As a response to this outrage, especially at a time when fur is increasingly finding its way back on to the catwalks of high fashion, members and supporters of Edinburgh Animal Rights decided to take some positive action against the fur trade, principally Dominion Furs in Morningside, the one remaining fur shop in Edinburgh. Back in December, a demo inspired by PETA and Respect was held based on the slogan "WE'D RATHER GO NAKED THAN WEAR FUR". 6 'naked' members, supported by 20 other EAR members, representatives from Tayside Animal Rights and a large banner, assembled outside the shop. Despite intense media interest the coverage in the press was a little disappointing, but we were cheered on by the support of members of the public both in person and from car toots!
We feel that recent media coverage has shown clearly that fur is coming back into fashion, with some of the top designers reintroducing fur back onto the catwalk. A recent high fashion event featured nothing but fur designs, and was kept secret until the last moment to prevent animal rights protesters making their feelings known.
This shows not only that the fashion world are afraid of the strength of the animal rights movement but also their guilt. If fur is okay to wear why hide it? People need to be made aware that the fur industry is far from dead. Hopefully more people will join with us to show that we will not tolerate such barbaric and immoral cruelty all in the name of 'fashion'.
This year we will be taking up the slogan "Don't live in the Stone Age, give fur the boot!", with a demo planned for sometime in September. If anyone is interested in taking part please contact Lucy on (0131) 667 6725.