Saturday, February 9, 2008

Escada Targeted in NYC Once Again

HLS Investor Spark and Supplier Staples Protested

Day of Action Dedicated to the Memory of Activist Jill Phipps

Demo #1: Escada - 715 Fifth Avenue, New York City

Time and time again, activists unfurl their banner and display their protest signs to a near empty Escada boutique. The only ones we see in the store are the several sales and security personnel, who spend most of their time watching the activists through the expansive plate glass windows. No doubt they noticed the increased number of protesters and the new faces staring them down.

Approximately 15 activists educated passersby about the horrors of the fur trade. Voices were raised in spirited chants and anyone who passed the picket line wearing fur was quickly aware of the error of their ways. As many as possible were confronted and made to feel as uncomfortable as possible. Activists were pleased to see that some fur hags hid their faces as they scurried by and others went so far as to cross the street to avoid crossing the path of the activists. Protesters continue to wonder what it is going to take for Escada to get the message. “We will NEVER back down, until they stop the killing” was the chant that had the most resonance with the group.

Demo #2: Peter Laventhol, Owner – Spark – HLS Investor

Once again, the proximity of Peter Laventhol’s home makes it a natural stopping point for activists coming from nearby Escada. This location has a steady stream of pedestrians and vehicular traffic as it sits on the same block as the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). The greater number of activists made more noise than usual, garnering the attention of anyone living there or visiting the museum.

Another of Peter’s building neighbors came down to cheer on the activists and to pledge her support for the cause. She asked if Peter had communicated with the group and if he still maintained his 18,900 shares of LSR stock. She was disappointed to learn that he had not divested. She and her husband vowed to keep trying to reach Laventhol to get him to divest of his blood shares in LSR (Huntingdon Life Sciences).

Demo #3: Staples - 8th Avenue & 48th Street – HLS Supplier

Staples was recently exposed as having a supplier relationship with the scum at Huntingdon Life Sciences. Don’t they know that there is no way to hide it when you accept blood money from people who torture and kill innocent animals? The fact that the delivery was made in an unmarked truck indicates that they are ashamed of their relationship with the puppy punchers at HLS.

Activists displayed posters showing the Staples trademark EASY button with the word PAIN substituted for EASY. In fact, Staples is making it EASY for Huntingdon Life Sciences to keep killing 500 animals every day. Protesters have promised to make it HARD for Staples until they make an official statement promising to cut their ties to HLS….now and in the future. Activists will keep pushing your buttons Staples until you do the right thing.

*click here for slide show & video clip*