Sunday 16 February 2014

Morris Furs Protest

I can't begin to tell you the countless number of times while walking down the street, or driving in my car and seeing passers-by wearing these ridiculous winter jackets with the 'fur' trim on the hood. I know not all of the coats are real fur, but you'll see more real ones than not. To me it's absolutely mind blowing. I mean is it a fashion statement, or are people just unaware of how that piece of fur actually makes it on to their coats! More than anything I would say the majority of people think nothing of it when buying that hideous jacket. It probably doesn't even register in their minds. I can't even imagine just how painful it must be to have your fur ripped from your body while still fully conscious. Of all the pain and suffering inflicted upon animals around the world, I believe that the fur industry is the most despicable, barbaric and inhumane practice of them all. The horror that these poor innocent beings go through so that people can eventually have scarves, sweaters, boots and coats to wear is beyond comprehensible and absolutely inexcusable. There is no WAY you can justify wearing the fur of another animal period.

Two week's ago today,  I attended a demonstration at 'Morris Furs' hosted by my friend Val with Voice 4 Animals. It was another cold and chilling evening for a protest, however, ten or so activists braved that unforgiving chill to stand up in defense of these innocent beings, whom the Fur industry looks upon as mere objects at their disposable. With every passing car, was an opportunity to expose this vial and sadistic industry. We held signs displaying very explicit images of the furless animals. Of all the protests I've attended, this one seemed to get the most positive reaction.  People honking their horns as they drove by in appreciation of what we were doing. Yet, the number of people who I pass by everyday wearing these repulsive jackets, or some type of fur, keeps growing and growing. It's an extremely frustrating sight to say the least. I literally have to watch myself as I sometimes just blurt out my angered opinion aloud. It's estimated that 50 million animals a year are killed on fur farms alone. This staggering figure excludes rabbits being killed for their fur. If rabbits are included, the death toll could exceed one billion. Now it's believed that animals killed on fur farms are a by-product of the agriculture industry. However, this couldn't be farther from the truth. Factory Farms and Fur factory farms are exclusive to their own industry, the only unfortunate similarity is that all animals will endure immeasurable amounts of pain and suffering, and all at the hands of human beings.

The innocent animals on fur farms live in extremely tiny cages where their movement is almost completely restricted. They are left out in the pouring rain, in the dead of winter and in the hot bathing sun with no where to go. They live in constant fear and distress, which leads to mental and physical determent. No non-human animal deserves to be treated this way, and yet there is no complete ban on fur production or fur trading in any country around the world.

I sincerely hope that more, and more people continue to get educated on where their garments come from, and refuse to buy anything made from any animal. We as consumers believe it or not, have the power to change things for the better. We have the ability to make choices in our everyday lives, and the choices we make really do have an impact on other beings around the world. If im beings honest, it's actually quite simple, animals are suffering everyday and if the choices you make are causing this suffering, then make a different choice. Im sure that you could live without that scarf, or pair of boots. To me it isn't justifiable to exploit, or kill any animal for any reason. They are living breathing 'SENTIENT' beings, whom deserve to roam this planet in peace and harmony. 
The video that I've posted below, isn't of the greatest quality, as it was done on my stills-camera, and whenever I zoom in and out the image always seems to distort. However, I think it captures the moment very well. The women in the video says, "I don't have the right", in referring that I don't have the right to film her without her consent, as she's putting her hand against the lens of my camera, pushing me out the door. Yet, I wonder if she asked these defenseless  animals if it was okay to end their lives so that human beings could wear their fur! This lady is nothing more than a fucking hypocrite, speciesist who is determined to cause more pain and suffering to animals so that she can make a profit. 

I think Gandhi said it best, “To my mind, the life of a lamb is no less precious than that of a human being. I should be unwilling to take the life of a lamb for the sake of the human body.” 

I would like to thank Val, and Voice 4 Animals for organizing this most important of protests. As well as all of the other dedicated activists who came out and stood in that unforgiving chill. I feel that we did a good job on bringing more awareness on the barbaric treatment of animals on "Fur farms". 

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. 

Damian