Activists stage human zoo to show fur trade cruelty
Activists crammed themselves into wire cages in Causeway Bay yesterday to illustrate the plight of animals in the fur trade.
The action by three members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals coincided with the opening of the Hong Kong International Fur and Fashion Fair 2006 at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.
As part of the protest opposite Sogo in Hennessy Road, the group also screened footage shot undercover showing the treatment of animals raised for their fur on the mainland.
It showed dogs and cats stuffed into tiny cages, thrown in the back of trucks, beaten and even skinned alive in the country that leads the world in producing fur products.
'Animals on fur farms are literally dying to get out of their cages,' said activist Andrew Butler as he crouched uncomfortably in his cage with two others.
'What we are doing is nothing, it's just cosmetic. But the animals are suffering extreme cruelty.'
Mr Butler said there was not a single piece of animal welfare legislation on the mainland, and Peta had written to President Hu Jintao offering to help implement humane slaughtering practices across the country.
'We are against the killing of all animals, we believe it is all unnecessary,' said Mr Butler. 'But as well as being idealistic, we also want to help the billions of animals who are suffering the worst.
'We urge consumers to act with their spending power. Buy Gore-Tex or Thinsulate if you want warmth, but don't buy fur.'
