Animal-Rights Supporters Stage Protests on Fur Gifts

Animal rights activists protested in cities across the nation Friday, urging Christmas shoppers to avoid choosing furs as presents. Ten people were arrested at one of the demonstrations in San Francisco.

Trans-Species Unlimited, an animal-rights group based in Williamsport, Pa., staged its third annual Fur-Free Friday to focus attention on what it says is the suffering of animals raised to support the fur industry.

“The people of this country buy the propaganda of the fur industry . . . that the animals who provide this fur don’t suffer,” said Steve Siegel, 37, the group’s director. “They say these animals don’t suffer, but it just isn’t so.”

Trans-Species Unlimited said that protests were scheduled in 37 locations but could not confirm that they all took place. Siegel said it was hoped that the demonstrations will heighten sensitivity to the suffering of animals.

Demonstrations were held in Providence, R.I.; Greenwich, Conn.; New Brunswick, N.J.; New York; Allentown and Harrisburg, Pa.; Nashville, Tenn.; Denver; Salt Lake City; San Francisco, and Portland, Ore.

Nine adults were arrested, and one juvenile was cited on charges of trespassing and disturbing the peace after they entered a Neiman Marcus store in San Francisco in an attempt to disrupt fur sales, police said.