Vallone Sends Fur Flying

Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. introduced a resolution last week condemning the use of fur by all clothing manufacturers, as well as the inhumane nature in which such animals are killed.
While fur has become more popular and less expensive over the last few years, awareness to the cruel treatment animals often receive has also increased.
“These animals are skinned alive so people can make a fashion statement,” Vallone said.
Vallone, who is a major supporter of animal rights, directed his attention to this issue after Heather Mills-McCartney, wife of legendary Beatles singer Sir Paul McCartney, led a protest outside a J. Crew store on Madison Avenue last month.
Mills-McCartney urged shoppers to boycott J. Crew stores across the country because the company buys some of its fur from China, where oftentimes animals are skinned alive for their fur.
Over the past 10 years, China, which is a member of the International Fur Trade Federation, has become the largest fur exporter in the world and operates the biggest fur trade production and processing bases in the world.
Since there are no legal measures that can be taken to outlaw this practice, Vallone hopes that this resolution will make people think twice about buying fur products.
“This is truly sickening what these poor animals are put through,” he said.
Currently, Vallone is getting other members to sign the resolution and expects it will pass without opposition when it is voted on by the entire City Council.
pdavis@queenscourier.com