Yesterday I was flipping through channels and came upon Janice inson's show, she runs a modelling agency and it's a reality show about how models make their way up in the world of modelling. Not very interesting, would normally keep flipping but something caught my eye.

She had a video on for her models to watch, it was about the horrible conditions that animals live in and die in that are used for furs. Some of these animals are left with exposed bones, infections and starving, awaiting their slaughter. Most times the animals are skinned alive, it costs too much to euthanize, the workers will wack them in the head before skinning, but it doesn't always kill them. Many times, after being skinned alive, these poor animals are thrown in a heap with the ones that came before them, still alive!

I've posted a link, there's more info on the conditions these animals live and die in and there's a video (I warn you, it's not easy to watch, it's very graphic).

So, my question? Do you wear fur? Do you know how the animal that made that fur coat lived and died? If you do wear fur, will you after watching the video and reading the article?

For everyone else, what's your reaction? Can we let this continue? What can we do?

A Shocking Look Inside Chinese Fur Farms

I'm in the middle of a long term "class" about social justice... mostly focusing on issues like poverty, healthcare, education...

Hearing this, most of the right would label me immediately as a liberal. Actually, I'm more "conservative" in many areas, a registered (R) who doesn't vote party lines, but wants to most of the time.

I am christian, but not in the bible thumping way. Anyway... one of the most disturbing things I've seen in the class and in this reading is how poorly people are treated, especially by multinational corps in third world countries.

And... when you see how poor the conditions are that the people work... you can only imagine how poorly the animals are treated.

I'm not a card carrying peta member. But I think there is a place where efficiency and honor clash. Where the overlap between what is decent and what is cost effective is shallow, at best.

The problem is that it takes work, and energy, and often money to live decently and honorably. What you buy and where you buy matters... and that sucks. I wish I could do what was convenient and be content.

I know if I buy my asparagus at the grocery store imported from argentina that its helping not only fatten the pockets of the growers, but that those dollars are making it down to the poorest of the poor... but if I buy my brocolli from mexico, its displacing the crops they need to grow for the population and the money never trickles down too far. I know if I buy free trade coffee at twice the cost of typical store bought, that the workers get a living wage... and I know where I get my meat makes a difference in both the quality of life of the animal and the farmers.

Damnit... I don't want to think about where I get my hamburger... but, unfortunately, I need to think about this.

I know that's off topic... but the tie in to consumerism without morality is dead on. You don't have to be of any religious conviction to believe this. Anything to get a buck is likely to lead to ugly things happening.

Very true KP.

Just to clarify, I'm not a PETA member either. I do advocate the humane treatment of animals, but I'm not a vegan, I love my steak, hamburgers and chicken! I do insist that the meat I consume was treated well while alive and killed in a pain free humane way.

Furs are a different story altogether. I don't need a fur coat (and I live in Canada!) I'm just fine with my manufactured fibre jacket, keeps me nice and warm.

We could drive ourselves mad if we start to question everything, but the things that aren't a necessity in our lives, like fur jackets, well, I really think we should be aware of what these animals go through just for someone to look fashionable.

Alty - If you notice it's like that in China. That's the key here as to why this inhumane practice is allowed to go on. I saw the video somewhere on the web awhile ago and it really bothered me that no one can help the animals of China. We should stop buying things made in China but then, what's made here in the USA that we can buy? Practically nothing made here any longer.

I agree Twinkie, the sad fact is that most of the furs sold in the US are from China. So, if the people in the US stop buying furs, then it's no longer lucrative to kill these poor animals. Furs aren't a necessity, they're bought for fashion, there are other materials that keep you just as warm.

To many people these animals are just a source of income, a disposable resource, not a living creature that feels pain.

Personally, I'd like to put some of these people in a cage with a broken exposed bone for months and then skin them alive, but that's just my anger talking.

OMG... I watched that video for about 30 seconds and had to turn it off :eek:

I know M, it's horrible. It's hard to watch, I couldn't get through it either.