PETA’s Fur Challenge
If you’re upset that animals are being tortured and killed for fashion accessories, PETA has a challenge for you.
There’s no way around it: Fur production is cruel. Coyotes—who are ancestors of dogs and who are killed for fur—can suffer for days after being caught in steel traps and may even try to chew through their own limbs to escape. More than half of the fur in the U.S. comes from China, where millions of animals—including dogs and cats—are bludgeoned, hanged, bled to death, or even skinned alive. Their fur is frequently mislabeled and then sold to unsuspecting customers.
Despite all this, some people still wear it. So what can you do? Follow the steps below to take our #FurChallenge and expose the cruelty behind every fur coat:
1. Find a Fur-Wearer
If you come across people wearing fur, calmly approach them and politely ask if you could have a minute of their time to talk about fur.
2. Tell Them That #FurIsDead
- Inform them of the tremendous suffering that animals killed for fur endure: Animals caught in steel-jaw traps can suffer for days from blood loss, shock, dehydration, gangrene, and attacks by predators.
- If they tell you that they’re wearing fake fur, thank them for not contributing to the abuse and slaughter of animals on fur farms.
- If they become upset or hostile, it’s important to remain calm. Politely tell them that you hope they’ll reconsider wearing the skins of animals who suffered and were killed.
3. Ask Them to Ditch Fur
Once you’ve discussed the cruelty of the fur industry, ask them if they would consider donating their fur to PETA or a local homeless or animal shelter. If they’re wearing a jacket with fur trim that’s detachable, such as that on Canada Goose jackets, ask them to remove it.
4. Post Your #FurChallenge
Be sure to record your discussion or take a photo of your interaction. Post your results on Facebook with #FurChallenge and tag PETA.
5. Challenge Your Friends
Tag at least three of your best anti-fur friends, and ask them to take the challenge as well. Keep encouraging them to complete the challenge and pass it on.
Here’s an example of someone completing the #FurChallenge: Long-time PETA member Jannette Patterson approached people wearing Canada Goose jackets on the streets of New York City and asked them to unzip the fur trim and donate it to charity. She also donated $50 to PETA for every fur trim she got, informing the public about the cruelty behind wearing fur while also contributing to her favorite animal charity to enable us to reach more people with other campaigns.
So what are you waiting for? Get outside and start the #FurChallenge!
