Activists Fight for Fur-Free World

In the years since Peter Singer’s 1975 book “Animal Liberation” spurred the animal rights movement, activists have become more visible, more vocal and, in their eyes at least, more powerful. T-shirts, billboards, benefits, pies in the face of furriers and bombs get out their message. But retailers say the efforts have backfired.

Debbie Reynolds, clad in mink in the latest Blackgama ad, is among the unconverted. So is Robin Leach, who cavorts in fur with his rich and famous friends.

Super model Christy Turlington is in the other camp. She posed free of clothing and free of charge for the cause, on a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals billboard hoisted above Sunset Strip on Thursday. The slogan: “I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur.”

On “Fur Free Friday”--traditionally the day after Thanksgiving--PETA, which has 400,000 members worldwide, and smaller groups descend on malls and fashionable shopping districts to urge consumers not to buy fur. This year, there were about 100 peaceful protests nationwide.

But during the next two days, the radical Animal Liberation Front (ALF) planted incendiary devices in four Chicago department stores. Three small fires erupted but caused no injuries.

But it could be a losing battle. “Fur sales were up 10% last year. And the Tuesday after the Chicago antics, Saks, nationwide, had their biggest fur sales day in history,” says Karen Handel of the Fur Information Council of America in Herndon, Va.

Still, the activists have had their moments this year. L’Oreal agreed to stop animal testing. GQ magazine took a look at PETA. And the late River Phoenix was described as a vegan who turned down commercials for leather-trimmed jeans.