MILAN – Animal rights organisation PETA has taken to the streets of Milan amidst the city’s Fashion Week to once again urge the country’s Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte to ban fur farming.
In light of reports that minks have tested positive for COVID-19 on fur farms across Europe – and workers are believed to have contracted the virus from the animals – PETA supporters took to the streets of Milan ahead of the city’s fashion week wearing stylish, high-end versions of hazmat suits.
The protesters are calling on the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana to ban fur at the event.
The action follows a letter from PETA to Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and the ministers responsible for health, agriculture, and the environment calling for a ban on fur farming.
Fur Production Is Cruel
Minks, foxes, and others exploited on fur farms are forced to live in cramped, filthy conditions before being tormented and slaughtered for their skin.
Living in packed cages – far from their native homes and with no opportunity to play, jump, run, or do anything else that comes naturally to them – often drives these inquisitive, intelligent animals insane during their short lives. Fighting, self-mutilation, and cannibalism are common on fur farms.
Environmental Hazard
The fur industry doesn’t just put animals through a living hell before tearing off their skin – it’s also detrimental to the planet. A study of mink farms in Europe determined the impact of fur production with regard to 18 different environmental issues – such as the climate crisis, ozone pollution, and water and land use. For 17 of the 18 issues, fur was found to be far more harmful than any other material.
Producing 1 kilogram of fur has a carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) factor of about 130 to 140 kilograms, compared to around 6 to 7 kilograms of CO2e for 1 kilogram of faux fur.
Source : PetaUk
