The North American fur industry kills 4 million animals every year, according to Humane Society International. Connecticut can do its part to end this barbarism by following California’s lead and banning fur sales and manufacturing. I hope state legislators will pass a bill to do exactly that.
Animals on fur farms are packed into small, dirty cages in the name of maximizing profits. All their natural behaviors are stunted to such a degree they resort to self-harm and cannibalism. In order to preserve their pelts, farmers use incredibly painful methods of slaughter—such as electrocution, poisoning, and neck-breaking.
The fur industry is also a threat to the environment and human health. Toxic chemicals are used to preserve, bleach and dye pelts. Sometimes they are released into the local ecosystem. Additionally, these substances can harm workers and consumers. Waste run-off from fur farms is another problem.
Readers should contact their state legislators and urge them to support a ban on fur manufacturing and sales in Connecticut. For more information about the campaign to achieve this, follow Fur Free CT on Facebook or Twitter. To stay up-to-date on other forms of electoral action for animals, visit CTVotesForAnimals.org
Jon Hochschartner