Leather is obtained from animals killed for food, fur is usually obtained from animals that are killed only for their fur.

I don't think it is an unreasonable stance to find fur to be bad, but leather to be OK--killing for food seems much more acceptable than killing for fashion.

I've hunted myself. Would never shoot a creature that wasn't going to be 100% used.I've seen vids of the creeps that kill just for the fur. disgusts me. they should be shot,skinned, and sold to hollywood types for lampshades.

For Real!

For food or for fashion--I don't think it makes much difference to the animals involved.

The way I look at it, it's 'natural' for/ animals to kill other animals in order to survive. Large herbivorous quadrupeds exist for the purpose of turning plant protein into meat protein for the carnivorous predators -- to which class human beings belong. I eat meat because nature built me that way. I wear leather because it's respectful to use all of an animal that has died to provide us with food.

Animals don't kill other animals to adorn themselves. So I would prefer not to wear fur, unless it is the byproduct of the food industry. (I hear nutria are tasty.) I had no problem with avoiding fur on my own -- don't rely on Sears refusing to sell it to me, but good for them anyway.

Some people hold that belief as well, Ed. I can understand that stance as well.

As Randy said, many animals kill for their food, so I find it acceptable. I do not know of any animals (besides humans) that kill for fashion, so I prefer to avoid fur that isn't from animals that are killed for food.

For Real!

For Real!

In other news, Burger King is no longer going to sell foie gras.

For Real!

Totally!

For real!

For Real!!! (note - I did not violate your copyright. I used 2 !!s).

For Real!

I've eaten quite a bit of food in Asia. You can't find black dogs anywhere in Laos. That's because they are considered to have aphrodisiac properties.

Cats aren't safe either. "Domestic" in such situations means that you don't have to chase your meal.

But I thought the rest go to a Chinese restaurant.

Starvation and availability also play a role in domestic animal consumption, Luke. Domestic animal farming and pet theft for pelts alone in my mind is far different than eating meat from what we in the west consider nontraditional sources (i.e., dogs and cats). As I understand it the pelt harvested from a dead dog or cat offers diminished quality, hence the live skinning. Some internet research lifts the rock to an horrific international industry.

Domestic cat and animal fur has been labeled "Real Fur," "Coney Fur," etc. China, for example, has even used domestic dog and cat fur without label, misleading purchasers into believing the lining of some hoods and gloves are artificial fur.

I do not shop at Sears or Kmart but laud this move. Until we collectively evolve beyond the primitive urge to decorate the body with the fur of creatures these foul practices will continue.

From the social evolution standpoint, wearing the fur of a creature one has killed makes use of all parts of the animal in some fashion. For males this was a way of demonstrating one's prowess and value as a mate and to other males to prove competency/dominance. (Leather is a different issue in most instances as that is primarily a practical by-product.) I find it egregious when I encounter people wearing skins of animals they did not kill. If the prestige is intended to be found in an earning power that can cause many animals to die without valid cause, that's just pathetic.

Bren, I agree that wearing animal skins seems weird. But if people want to so so, I'm fine with that.

I also don't want animals to suffer. As for their remains going to waste, I doubt much of that is going on. The remains are worth something. My relatives in Asia can't go on vacation and return to find their pets. They've been digested by then.

One more thing, Bren. It would be typical for an American to see this situation as a fur trade. It is closer to the truth to say that after a dog or cat is eaten, the one thing left is the pelt, so that is how that aspect of the business came about. Now we have the fur traders taking control. (If I had time I would tell you about the meals and goods made from feathers.)

As for people wearing furs to influence others, what's new? Do you wear matching shoes? Do your clothes match? Are you wearing a dress made of grocery bags and duct tape and allowing your hair and beard to go unwashed and uncut? Are you wearing anything at all?

Bren - while I do agree with A LOT you say I have to correct you that people wear fur for "prestige or to demonstrate earning power". That is a bit judgemental. Many people I know wear it due to the warmth factor. And the fact that it lasts for generations if taken care of properly.

It's best if all your clothing, food, and transportation comes from materials collected from dead plant matter from your own yard. Also, no fossil fuels or water should be involved in any way in the preparation of said materials.

lol luke

My great uncle used to have a mink farm. At that time, the animals were killed by having an electrical prod inserted into their butt and they were electricuted. This was so that their outside fur would not be damaged. Not sure if that is how they still do it, but I know that it put me off of EVER owning a fur coat.

Wouldn't it follow that the best thing to do would be to stop having children and kill ourselves off as soon as possible, so we no longer need vast industries to sustain us; and we avoid the additional cruelty and suffering wrought by the mining, drilling, refining, and manufacturing of all those alternative products, and their inherent detriments to wild animal and plant life?

Or I suppose you could ignore the essential negative impact multiplying your own species has upon other species and congratulate yourself for making shallow, slightly-lesser-evil choices in some parts of your life. Personally I'd prefer both honesty and practicality - as in I'm going to live my life in the imperfect way I desire and not obsess over how fair or unfair that is to every other living thing.

JBW, you think quite highly of yourself and your species.
Maybe some of us would like to try and live a kinder, gentler life.
Does that offend you?
You do your thing, and I'll do mine.

Nom nom nom I love consuming animals and using their resources for my personal benefit. It is why they are here faux Dr.

Actually, Sue, it does offend me when I see people boast about how they are kinder and gentler because they drive a hybrid and use faux products, while completely ignoring that the negative impact of those things is in some ways greater than the "cruel" alternatives.

If you want to be kind then engage in real acts of kindness like helping local people in need and supporting local entrepreneurs like I do, not patting yourself on the back for spending money on what a TV ad sold you as morally superior.

If you want to care for animals then do so by actually caring for some - you can even donate to an environmental cause as I do - instead of just buying things you don't even need because they have "cruelty-free" written on the label.

Actually, jbw, I do all of those things that you so kindly suggest.
All of my companion animals have been adopted from shelters and rescue groups. I volunteer at and donate money to an animal shelter in southern Wisconsin. I have organized, collected and delivered donated dog/cat food and supplies to a local pet food pantry (helping the humans who are in need and would like to keep and take care of their pets.)
I won't wear fur or eat veal along with many other things that just don't feel right to me. I am not perfect, but I do what I can in my own small way.

Sue is one of those old cat ladys who eats cat food too. Her house smells of cat litter, fecal matter and urine.

Mike; I don't own a cat and right now my house smells like Yankee Candle's Sage and Citrus.

And this has to do with clothing how?

BF...If you are literate...I recommend a book titled: Hitler's Willing Executioners. You might learn a thing or ten. Your comment/link is a pile of steaming you know what.

That's relevant to this article how? Mac, are you able to look at anything without your overwhelming hatred of liberals getting involved? The Chicago Bears stink- so now Mac, please explain how liberals are to blame. You really should get some kind of help for your irrational hatred. It can't make for a very happy life.

One of the more asinine comments I've seen on The Patch. And that's saying something.

Sully – It’s the Liberal Players Union.

Due to their contracts, the Bears can’t hire and fire better players and coaches. The NFL needs Right to Work. It’s the Liberal/Socialist/Marxist/Communist Players Union Czar that keeps the Bears crappy.

Oh, yeah. Obama is a Bears fan, too. I forgot. It’s Obama’s fault the Bears stink.

Your welcome McCloud.

Six Degrees to Blaming Obama and Progressives. This could be a new game. It’s as least AS ridiculous as the TeaParty these days.

FreeThought, of course! You nailed it! So the Ravens just had the best lobbyists this year! The Bears obviously need a new think tank.