Saturday, November 3, 2007 - Part 1

International Anti-Fur Coalition Day of Action

Win Animal Rights commemorated International Anti-Fur Coalition Day of Action with protests at 4 major fur targets on Manhattan’s trendy Fifth Avenue. The fashionistas were all out getting a jump on their holiday consumer binge and activists were there to remind them to check with their conscience before supporting the bloody fur trade.

Demo #1: Fendi - 677 Fifth Avenue

First stop “Offending Fendi” whose disgusting display of inhumanity was paraded before the media by Sharon Stone at a recent fundraiser for Amfar (Aides Research). Apparently the only way the aging has-been starlet can get any attention is by flaunting her hard hearted uncaring attitude toward animals, in a gesture that she knew would be offensive to animal advocates around the world. Fendi will pay for their complicity in the death of countless beautiful animals worn by ugly humans in attempt to cover up the blackness of their souls. Fur Trade, Death Trade” chanted activists. After a strong protest at Fendi, activists moved to their next target, but vowed to return to Fendi often.

Note: Fendi used to be 2 doors down from Dennis Basso. They moved to get away from the weekly Basso demos which they found very annoying. Where will they run to now that the weekly demos are targeting them?

Demo #2: Escada - 715 Fifth Avenue

Escada remains a primary target for ant-fur activists around the world because of the international campaign launched in October. No doubt activists will be at this popular and well trafficked location regularly and often. It is hard not to notice that Escada has lots of employees and very few customers. Employees have nothing to do but stand in the windows and watch protesters advise potential customers about Escada’s continued sale of fur products. The activists seemed to take delight in watching the employees scurry away from the windows and hide their faces in shame when activists tried to take pictures of them. Shame on you Escada. “The fur on your racks is blood on your hands”

Demo #3: Prada - 724 Fifth Avenue

Traveling a block further on 5th Avenue, activists found themselves at the best location of the afternoon. Prada sits next door to wildly popular Abercrombie and Fitch. As crowds waited for hours on lines outside of Abercrombie, activists were faced with a captive and largely sympathetic audience. Many asked for literature and pledged their support, saying they wouldn’t be caught dead wearing or buying fur. Some passersby made the mistake of wearing fur or crossing the picket line to enter Prada. They were met with unbridled animosity and loud accusatory choruses of “Shame, Shame, Shame”. Shoppers and pedestrians were reminded that Prada promotes and sells items made with the skin and fur of Canadian baby harp seals. The blood that stains the ice floes of Canada is on your hands, Prada and also on the hands of anyone who shops there. Activists pledged to be back real soon.

Demo #4: Burberry - 9 E. 57th Street

The last stop of the afternoon was at the 57th Street Burberry store. Activists made a point of approaching everyone who entered or came out of Burberry during the protest. All were shocked to hear that Burberry sells fur. One shopper promised to let Burberry know that he will no longer shop there until they make a commitment to stop selling fur. Many were supportive of the activists message as evidenced by requests for literature and many thumbs up to the protesters. One in particular was notable in that it came from actor Richard Belzer, who is best known for his performance as Detective Munch in Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Mr. Belzer was walking his really adorable companion dog and stopped just long enough to read the signs and give a hearty thumbs up to the activists. It was a perfect salute to a full afternoon of anti-fur activism.

Tired but not finished, please see Saturday, November 3, 2007 - Part 2 for demo reports on 3 spirited Huntingdon Life Sciences protests that followed.