Dogs in the United States are, for the most part, considered pets – companions that enrich our lives. We spend a great deal of time, money and energy on caring for and enjoying our dogs. But this is not so in other countries.

In South Korea dogs are farmed for meat. They are kept in small, crowded cages covered in feces and urine. They are thrown food and water but only so they are meaty enough to kill for human consumption. They know no kindness and are treated as badly as factory farmed animals are in this country – maybe worse. Their fur is another valuable resource so they are skinned prior to being slaughtered – often alive, as China has no such thing as humane slaughter practices. Some of these dogs are bred and raised for just this purpose – others are stolen pets – ripped from a loving home and thrown into a cage to await a miserable end.

China produces most everything we purchase in this country including dog and cat toys. Any toy that is covered with fur might actually be covered in dog fur. China has only minimal animal welfare laws and these are not regulated – they were most likely made to appease their Western consumers.

Pet toys are not the only fur products sold from this soulless and cruel practice. The fur farms house almost any animal that bears fur – mink, raccoons, fox, rabbits and yes cats and dogs. Animals kept on these farms are housed in wire cages with no shelter – exposed to inclement weather and the baking sun. They are fed minimal amounts of food and water and are offered no other care or kindness. Stressed beyond their ability to deal with such a miserable existence it is not uncommon for mothers to eat and kill their young.

The fur on garments made entirely from fur or accented with fur pieces is all obtained through international auction houses making it impossible to know the skin’s origin. The only sure way to know that you are not contributing to this bit of inhumanity is to simply not purchase fur. Synthetics have become so life-like that there is no reason to participate in such abuse.

Many international humane organizations are campaigning heavily to end this torture – several of which are linked below. These great organizations are always happy to take your donations but if you, like many, are tapped out money-wise there is so much more that you can do. Sign up for their action newsletters. They will inform you of political actions that are current and even list who you should contact to make your voice heard.

Putting your purchasing power to good use is another way to help end such unnecessary suffering. Also linked below is a site that lists those designers and retailers that have pledged to be fur-free. Make your own pledge to spend your dollars at these stores and also make sure to tell them why you have decided to shop with them.

Speaking up for those without a voice is the best course of action to help institute change. Tell your friends and family and encourage them to do the same. Together we can change the world.