08/21/06 Against Fur in Elle Magazine
SANOMA MAGAZINI
MAGAZIN ELLE
MRS. VLADIMIRA MIRKOVIC BLAZEVIC
VLASKA 121
10000 ZAGREB
ELLE@SANOMAG-ZAGREB.HR
Dear Mrs. Mirkovic Blazevic,
We are writing to you in regards to an article published in the September edition of Elle Magazine, which advertises fur fashion.
Although the article is a paid advertisement, we and a good deal of the public are embittered by your decision to promote fur fashion in Elle.
It is our opinion that Elle should not taint its reputation by such actions and should be aware of the cruelty to animals in the production of fur and the ecological damage which accompanies it.
It is estimated that somewhere between 30 and 50 million animals are killed for fur every year. Chinchillas, foxes, minks, raccoons and other animals on fur farms spend their short lives in small, dirty wire cages constantly circling due to stress and boredom. Some of them hurt themselves or become aggressive towards other animals.
Before they are skinned, animals are killed in various ways. They are gassed, orally, vaginally or anally electrocuted, their necks are broken, they are poisoned with strychnine, or a hot iron bar is inserted anally. Sometimes the animals are not dead, but merely stunned or incapacitated, so they are actually skinned alive.
These are just some of the facts that should deter one from advertising fur fashion. Boycotting such products would be rational and an act of compassion. Many celebrities, shops, agencies and other institutions are against fur, and a large number of people do not approve the promotion or wearing of fur clothes.
The Croatian government is making an effort to ban breeding animals for fur production. Austria and Great Britain have already taken such measures. Many do not want to take part in this unscrupulous and utterly unnecessary torture and killing of animals, regardless of the possible profit.
Therefore, we are asking you to acquaint yourself with the gruesome details of fur production and stop promoting fur clothes, even if it means a certain financial loss to you. We believe that you understand that the profit made in such a way will not contribute to the reputation and the further development of your magazine.
We give you our best regards, and hope that you will understand and react to our benevolent appeal.
Respectfully yours,
Luka Oman
President
