Animal rights activists begin anti fur campaign Protesters will target shops selling fur items

A local animal rights group has started a campaign against the sale of fur items in Wellington fashion shops.

The first of a series of protests will be held this Saturday at noon, starting at the corner of Willis and Manners Sts

Activists say several fashion shops are stocking rabbit and fox fur imported from Chinese factory farms.

Wellington Animal Action spokesperson Hayley Fisher says more than 30 million animals are killed each year world-wide on fur farms.

"These facilities are little more than a series of small wire cages lined up in an open shed. Animals suffer from extreme confinement and poor housing conditions. Many of them exhibit behavioural disorders such as constant pacing, self-mutilation and infanticide" she said.

"After months in these conditions they are killed. Neck breaking, gassing, and electrocution are common methods of killing animals raised for fur" said Fisher

In recent months, many fashion stores in Auckland have withdrawn fur items from sale after and aggressive campaign of protests and direct action from activists. Hayley Fisher says the same tactics will be used here to stop the sale of fur items in Wellington

"There is no excuse for cruelty. Anyone selling fur is making money from the suffering of animals. Our aim is to make animal abuse unprofitable. We are encouraging people to boycott shops that sell fur" said Ms Fisher.

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