by Asante Brown
This weekend was a busy one for protesters in Toronto. Activist group Animal Rights Toronto teamed up with PETA on Saturday to protest the fur industry. The Anti-fur groups targeted Saks Fifth Avenue’s Canada Goose department.
“We’re protesting the use of fur and any other animal products that go into the coats”. Lucy Ellis, an activist and organizer said this location was chosen for specific reasons.
“There are other locations but they’re not quite as big. They don’t make as many sales so we’re definitely more targeted to this one”.
Canada Goose reported that in Canada alone, their annual revenue for 2018 grew by 47.5%, with 35% more products produced. Their total worldwide revenue was $591.2 million. There is a lot of money to be made in the fur industry. The Fur Institute of Canada says the Canadian economy relies on it, contributing nearly $1 billion annually.
The famous coat company uses Canadian Hutterite for their down, Coyote fur for the hood trim and Sheep wool for the jacket. Saks Fifth Canada Goose department staff wouldn’t comment on the protest taking place downstairs, however, they did direct me to their website for information on their fur policy. The general statement on fur use stresses their support for ethical sourcing from North American suppliers, never using fur from endangered species. National Geographic currently ranks the Coyote as the least concerning for endangerment, with their population increasing.
“Trappers are strictly regulated by state, provincial and federal standard, and play an important role in properly managing abundant coyote populations that are known to endanger pets and livestock”, they state on the official Canada Goose website.
Animal Rights Toronto protesters said they don’t buy it. Lucy Ellis is urging Canada Goose to change their products to faux fur only. “There are many other designers that are quite popular who have gone fur free so we’re hoping that they would follow in these same footsteps”.
Animal Rights Toronto will be holding monthly vigils for the many animals who are victim to inhumanity, as well as events for vegans and vegetarians.
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