Fur Free Friday Generates Heat on the Fur Trade

Holiday shoppers exposed to the true price of fur

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Fur Free Friday at any of our many exciting demonstrations around the nation. Since 1986, this national day of action has been held on the day after Thanksgiving (which this year was November 23rd), also called "Black Friday" because it is the busiest shopping day of the year. We were therefore able to reach thousands of people, convincing many of them not to buy or wear fur.

IDA supporters and local organizers coordinated a total of 30 Fur Free Friday activities in 19 states to help end the exploitation of animals for their fur. Here are just a few of the ways they celebrated Fur Free Friday in 2007:

San Francisco, California

IDA held our traditional holiday Fur Free Friday event in San Francisco's Union Square again this year. Our huge display featured a large banner, two literature tables, furs with red paint on them, and stuffed specimens of fur-bearing species. There were many families with children there who were attracted to the animals, and parents couldn't help but read our message: "On their behalf, thank you for not buying fur."

We also showed footage of fur farms on a body-screen TV, and protesters held signs and handed out flyers in front of Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, two Union Square stores that sell fur. There was a great anti-fur message humming from people's mouths throughout the area. Radio, TV, and newspaper reporters all showed up to cover the protest.

Los Angeles, California

IDA's Bill Dyer and Last Chance for Animals coordinated a Fur Free Friday march in Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive, home to many fur salons. Dozens of activists carried signs and banners to remind shoppers that one single fur garment means the death of many animals. "Holidays are a time for celebration and reverence for life, so we're calling on shoppers to respect all life by not buying fur," Dyer told CBS. "Ripping the skin off an animal's back simply for the sake of vanity is cruel and unnecessary."

San Luis Obispo, California

Animal Emancipation organized a protest at Mr. Michaels fur store in downtown San Luis Obispo, chanting "compassion is the fashion" outside the salon. Volunteers also passed out flyers depicting the lives of suffering and horrible deaths endured by animals used for fur. Animal Emancipation plans to continue holding protests at Mr. Michaels until the store no longer sells real animal fur.

Dallas, Texas

Thirty-nine animal advocates joined IDA and the Vegetarian Network of Dallas at a Fur Free Friday demonstration, handing out flyers and speaking with the public. Many passersby expressed appreciation for the information, and some motorists driving by gave them the thumbs-up. Special thanks to Lacey Conner of VH1's Rock of Love for supporting her hometown's Fur Free Friday efforts to enlighten fellow Dallasites.

Knoxville, Tennessee

Actress and IDA celebrity spokeswoman Elaine Hendrix got smiles from drivers cruising past the West Town Mall by donning a pair of rabbit ears and holding a sign that read "Honk if you love animals." Hopping up and down like a bunny probably helped get their attention, too. "So many people love animals," she told reporters, "and I believe if they knew what happened to them (to make clothing or in shelters), then they would make a different choice."

Battle Creek, Michigan

Members of IDA and All Species Kinship held an outreach event outside of Burtrum Furs near the Lakeview Square Mall. They displayed pictures of foxes, beavers, wolves, and other fur-bearing animals with the words, "Thank you for not buying fur." They also showed video footage of animals being skinned for their fur.

Asheville, North Carolina

Volunteers with Mercy for Animals held a protest in front of Kriegsman Furs located in downtown Asheville. They carried signs and banners, and handed out leaflets explaining that tens of millions of animals are caged, trapped, drowned, beaten, electrocuted, suffocated, and skinned to make fur coats and trim every year.

North Hampton, New Hampshire

Volunteers with the New Hampshire Animal Rights League (NHARL) gathered for a protest in front of Dino International Furs. A group of about 10 animal rights activists held posters with such messages as "Your fur had a face." They were supported by many friendly motorists on Route 1 who waved and beeped their horns. NHARL plans to hold another demo at Dino on Saturday, December 1st.

See photos from Fur Free Friday events across the U.S. If you organized a Fur Free Friday event, please so we can add them to our gallery.

Even though Fur Free Friday has passed, it's not too late to organize an anti-fur event. Contact us for or to .