Protest launched against Burberry's use of fur

Animal rights activists dressed as cave people gathered outside a Burberry boutique in downtown Hong Kong today, protesting the company’s use of fur.

Holding a banner that said “Burberry: Out of the Stone Ages,” the protesters - wearing fake brown furry vests and leggings – urged the British brand to stop using fur. They also wielded thick plastic clubs as they made wild animal sounds.

“We are here to let people see that fur belongs to the stone ages, and at the present age, you do not need to wear fur. It’s uncompassionate,” said Rochelle Regodon, a campaign manager with the group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

The group also stormed the runway at a fashion show in Hong Kong last night, chanting anti-fur messages before they were takenaway by security guards.

Peta demonstrated at an outlet owned by Burberry Group in London last year, splashing red paint and chaining themselves to the front door of the shop.

Fashion labels such as J Crew Group, Stella McCartney and Ralph Lauren have stopped selling fur after Peta launched a boycott campaign, Regodon said.

“There’s nothing fashionable about wearing the fur of the animals who have been born and bred and slaughtered just for their skin. There are fake fur and many other artificial materials that also wrap people warm,” she said.

Burberry’s office in Hong Kong did not immediately respond to Peta’s latest protest.

After the London demonstration, the company said that it would continue using fur when the material is important to the design and aesthetics of a product.