Letter to the editor: Using animals for fashion cruel

Regarding Baxter Black’s column in Friday’s Portales News-Tribune: “PETA’s death threats go too far”

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals was just as surprised as figure skater Johnny Weir when we learned he allegedly received death threats for using white fox fur in one of his costumes.

PETA, like most animal protection groups, is a peaceful, legal organization that does not condone such acts. Johnny’s agent was even quick to point out that PETA made its case in a professional manner.

But we urge readers to consider the other story of violence here: the abuse and slaughter of foxes and other animals for their fur.

Animals on fur farms often go insane — mutilating themselves, cannibalizing their cage mates, and pacing constantly — from being kept in wire cages so tiny they can’t take more than a few steps back and forth. Fur farmers kill foxes, minks, chinchillas, lynxes, raccoons, and other animals by gassing them with hot truck exhaust, anal electrocution, poisoning, or breaking their necks. Many animals are still conscious and struggling while the skin is ripped from their bodies.

It's the 21st century, and luxurious alternatives to real fur abound. There is no excuse for turning animals into fashion victims.

Ingrid E. Newkirk

PETA president

Washington, D.C.