Department Stores Are Target of New Anti-Fur Campaign

Five animal rights activists took over a 175-foot crane near Macy’s in San Francisco on Friday and unfurled a banner declaring “Fur Is Murder,” while 22 anti-fur activists in Manhattan were arrested for protesting outside tony midtown stores.

Organizers in San Francisco said the protest marked “Fur Free Friday” at the start of the Christmas shopping season and the launch of a new national campaign against leg-hold animal traps and the sale of animal fur.

Police were at the scene, but no arrests were reported.

A statement issued by the Animal Rights Direct Action Coalition said the primary focus of the new anti-fur campaign would be Federated Department Stores, which owns several major chains including Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s.

“Fur sales are on the downward trend, but still nearly 40 million animals are killed by neck-breaking, anal electrocution and suffocation every year for vanity,” a coalition statement said.

On Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive, seven protesters who linked arms inside metal pipes to blockade the Fendi store were separated by bolt cutters and arrested.

In Manhattan, 22 anti-fur activists from the group Friends of Animals were arrested at demonstrations outside Saks Fifth Ave. and the Revillo Fur Co. in midtown, police said.