Fur Is Not Only A Crime To Animals

U.S. Justice Department Probes Global Fur Industry for Antitrust Violations

WASHINGTON (June 24, 2004)—The international Fur-Free Alliance and
three member organizations in the U.S.—Animal Protection Institute,
The Fund for Animals, and The Humane Society of the United States—
have long said that the cruel fur industry is a crime to millions of
animals who are trapped, gassed, electrocuted, or have their necks
broken each year for their skin. But now the U.S. Justice Department
is investigating another sort of crime: collusion among the factory
farmed mink industry for price-fixing and violating antitrust laws.

The Justice Department has served subpoenas on dozens of mink
auctioneers, brokers, and retailers from Seattle, New York, Canada,
Europe, and Asia. Antitrust investigators are reportedly probing fur
retailers' dealings with the American Legend auction in Seattle,
North American Fur Auctions of Canada and Wisconsin, Fur Harvesters
Auction of Canada, the Copenhagen Fur Center, and Finnish Fur Sales.
A Justice Department spokesperson stated that "we are looking into
the possibility of anti-competitive practices by domestic and
international brokers in connection with auctions in the U.S. and
elsewhere."

"This is a global conspiracy to keep pelt prices down and give a
boost to the dying fur industry," said Camilla Fox, Director of
Wildlife Programs for the Animal Protection Institute. "Compassionate
consumers know that the animals need their fur more than we do."

This is not the first time the fur trade has been in trouble with the
feds. Thirty years ago an investigation of mink farming organizations
resulted in indictments by a grand jury, charging the ranching groups
with a price-fixing conspiracy. The investigation came to a
conclusion with six officials of the groups being fined as much as
$12,000.

"The U.S. Justice Department should be commended for investigating
these illegal actions by the fur industry," said Dr. John Grandy,
Senior Vice President for Wildlife and Habitat Protection at The
Humane Society of the United States. "Consumers need to learn the
truth that the fur trade is unscrupulous, especially to the 40
million animals killed each year for their skins."

"Mink on factory farms are killed by gruesome methods such as neck
breaking, gassing, and anal and genital electrocution," said Michael
Markarian, President of The Fund for Animals. "It's a crime to kill
animals for their fur when so many warm and stylish alternatives are
available."

The Fur-Free Alliance is an international coalition of 35 leading
humane and conservation organizations working to end the cruel and
unnecessary killing of animals for their fur. The alliance represents
tens of millions of supporters in more than 20 countries worldwide.
On the web at http://www.inFURmation.com.

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group Jun 24, 2004