Anti-Fur Letter to the Editor for Fur Free Friday

Writing a letter to the editor is an easy, inexpensive and quick way to educate thousands of people about the cruelty of the fur industry. Most newspapers have word limits, typically 250 words or less, and require a signed letter with a phone number and address for verification, though they will not print that information. Check to make sure you comply with the newspaper's guidelines before submitting your letter.

You can find the contact information on the Opinion/Editorial page of the newspaper or by calling the Editorial Department. Email is the best medium for submission. Below are two sample letters that comply with the average requirements of 250 and 150 words respectively. Please be sure to let us know if your letter is printed! Contact furfree@idausa.org.

You may copy our letter if you wish, but personalized letters in your own words stand the best chance of being printed.

To The Editor:

November 25th marks Fur Free Friday, an event that began over twenty years ago. By the 1990's, animal advocates had successfully made wearing fur coats taboo. But in recent years, department stores have been promoting clothes with fur collars and trim that consumers mistakenly believe is made from scraps of leftover fur. In reality, animals suffer and die for each item, whether fur-trimmed or full-length.

And that death isn't pretty. In the U.S., nearly 4 million animals each year are caught in indiscriminate traps where they often suffer for days before trappers break their necks or bludgeon them to death. On fur farms worldwide, an estimated 45 million animals live their short lives in tiny cages. To preserve their pelts, these animals are killed by cruel methods such as gassing, neck-breaking and anal electrocution. In China, where the majority of the West's fur comes from, undercover investigations have documented the live skinning of fox, raccoons, cats and dogs.

Fur-trimmed items have become a half billion-dollar industry. The number of animals killed for fur trim is expected to overtake the number of animals killed for full-fur garments.

The holidays should be a time for peace and kindness. It's time for all Americans to realize that compassion should trump vanity, especially during the holiday season.

And here's a shorter version:

To The Editor:

November 25th marks Fur Free Friday, an event that began over two decades ago.

In recent years, department stores have heavily promoted fur collars and trim that consumers mistakenly believe is made from scraps of leftover fur. In reality, animals suffer and die for each such item, whether-fur trimmed or full-length.

And that death isn't pretty. Animals caught in traps can suffer for days before trappers return to break their necks or bludgeon them to death. Animals raised on fur farms are killed by cruel methods such as gassing, neck-breaking and anal electrocution in order to preserve their pelts.

Fur-trimmed items are a half billion-dollar industry. The number of animals killed for fur trim is expected to overtake the number of animals killed for full-length fur garments. It's time for all Americans to realize that compassion should trump vanity, especially during the holiday season.

Sample Letter to Retailer:

Dear Retailer:

As department stores put up their holiday decorations and warm clothes, I am reminded of those whose lives are lost for luxury items. Holidays are supposed to be for giving, but all fur does is take away lives. Fur trim - on coats, gloves, hats and shoes - is responsible for so many killings.

The bloody business of making a fur coat is a product of immense pain and suffering. Animals killed for their fur are obtained in one of two ways: either by trapping or from fur ranches. Animals caught in leg-hold traps will endure a slow and excruciating death. Some chew off their own leg in an attempt to escape. Others may freeze or bleed to death before the trapper returns. Those who don't will be strangled, stomped or bludgeoned by the trapper. The traps used not only kill their intended victims, but also injure or kill endangered species, domestic companion animals and other animals accidentally caught.

Fur ranching, no more humane, is characterized by barren cages, isolation, and environmental deprivation so severe that animals often go insane.

Some department stores and mail order catalogs have ceased carrying full length fur coats but continue to perpetuate the pain and suffering of animals by selling items that have fur trim. Do not be fooled by the amount of fur. Just for a small patch of fur on a coat or glove, an animal's life is lost.

Sincerely,
Name
Address
Phone