Naked and Painted Like the American Flag, Activists Show International Opposition to Fur

Groups Shoot for Goal of Ejecting Pelts From Fashion--Permanently

For Immediate Release:
July 6, 2010

Contact:
Ashley Fruno 757-622-7382

Norfolk, Va. -- Wearing nothing but the flags of various countries painted on their bodies and holding football-shaped signs that read, "Unite Against Fur," members of PETA Asia, Fur Free South Africa, and the South African Naturist Federation will protest against the fur industry at the World Cup finals in Johannesburg on Thursday. The event will be led by FHM model Candice Brink, who will be painted as the South African flag. Other activists will hand out leaflets explaining how animals suffer and die to become coats, collars, and cuffs.

When:   Thursday, 8 July, 1 p.m. sharp

Where:  The northwest corner of the intersection of Jan Smuts Avenue (M27) and William Nicol Drive (M81), opposite Southern Sun Hotel (in Hyde Park Shopping Centre), Sandton

"We'll gladly show some of our skin if it will help save animals' skins," says PETA Asia senior campaigner Ashley Fruno. "With all the toasty and stylish alternatives that are available, there's no excuse for wearing fur."

PETA wants World Cup attendees--and the world--to know that animals on fur farms spend their entire lives in tiny, filthy cages. Some animals are driven insane from confinement and pace endlessly in circles. Animals who are used for their fur are killed by electrocution, poisoning, or gassing, or by having their necks broken. In China, the world's leading fur exporter, animals on fur farms are commonly skinned alive. Millions of dogs and cats are also killed for their fur in China. This fur is often deliberately mislabeled as fur from other species before it is distributed to stores across the globe. Many of the world's top designers--including Calvin Klein, Perry Ellis, and Stella McCartney--refuse to use fur.

For more information, please visit PETAAsiaPacific.com.