Sadly, Ann Taylor, a popular clothing store, has recently introduced rabbit fur products into its fashion line.

The rabbits which are raised for fur suffer a disgusting and inhumane life. They are raised in cramped quarters where they are given little room to move and often times end up dwelling in their own urine and feces. The actual cages provide little protection from the elements, adding to the suffering of the animals. Among other atrocities, these animals are not even spared suffering when slaughter time comes. They are killed by either having their neck snapped or their skull crushed in. Sometimes, genital electrocution is also used, sending the animal into a painful cardiac arrest. This is all done with the intent of protecting the pelt with no regard whatsoever for the animalsв capacity to suffer.

These animals are also raised and killed solely for their fur. Generally, it is the thicker pelts of older animals that are needed, and rabbits that are used for meat are slaughtered around the age of ten to eleven weeks. In fact, the UN reports that вfew skins are now retrieved from slaughterhouses,в and countries such as France are killing as many as 70 million rabbits a year for fur. An estimated thirty rabbit pelts are needed for one coat, so if one Ann Taylor store has twenty coats in stock, thatвs 120 animals that have suffered this fate. This is a dreadful waste of life.

Please, let Ann Taylor know that this type of treatment for any sentient being is inhumane and unnecessary, and that by selling rabbit fur products, they are perpetuating and supporting these practices. We might not be able to physically stop the killing, however, if stores such as this one realize there is no demand for animal fur, we can indirectly damage the business of the factory fur farms.

Animals are not commodities to be bought and sold for their fur. They are not fashion accessories. They are living, breathing, sentient beings who are just as capable of pain and suffering as any other animal (humans included). Sign this petition asking Ann Taylor to cease the production of rabbit fur clothing, and help to spread the word. After all, rabbit fur is soft and lovely, but it is much lovelier on the rabbit.