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A growing number of major designers are ditching fur as awareness continues to grow about the dark side of this horrifying industry, but some are unfortunately still lagging behind the times. Tell Max Mara to pledge to stop selling fur!

The world is waking up to the reality that fur is no longer in fashion. Retailers like Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom have stopped selling fur both in their stores and online. More than 1,500 major designers and fashion brands have also pledged to go fur free, including Canada Goose, Versace, Michael Kors, Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Adidas, Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood, Dolce and Gabbana, and Armani. In 2019, California became the first state in the nation to ban fur, while close to two dozen countries around the world have banned fur farming or taken steps to restrict the trade.

Max Mara, in contrast, still uses cruel fur products. Its website currently sells coats with fox trim and fox cuffs, as well as coats made from sheepskin.

Earlier this year a shocking investigation exposed the horrendous conditions foxes farmed in Finland endure, which continues to be supported by brands including Max Mara.

Footage obtained on multiple farms shows foxes left with injuries and deformities, cubs cannibalizing dead siblings, and “monster foxes” who have been selectively bred with huge skin folds to produce more fur, which causes a number of health issues from infections to being unable to bear their own weight.

Mink, foxes, coyotes, raccoon dogs, rabbits, and other fur-bearing animals who are victims of the fur trade suffer immensely to ultimately become expensive coats worn by the callous and uncaring among the rich and famous. These animals are kept in cramped cages on fur farms and are electrocuted, gassed, bludgeoned, and shot. Some of these animals are even skinned while they are still alive. Animals are also trapped in the wild for their fur with leg hold and body gripping traps, and may be left to die of starvation or dehydration, or from exposure to the elements. Sometimes these animals will even chew their own limbs off in an effort to escape.

Not only is fur horrifically cruel, the global fur trade poses a serious risk to public health. Mink are highly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, and can and have transmitted the same strain to humans in close proximity. Large numbers of animals kept together in cramped spaces are breeding grounds for zoonotic diseases in general, and farms like these may be the reason for the next pandemic.

Letter to decision maker(s) for reference:

Subject: The Time Is Now: Stop Selling Fur!

As someone who is concerned with animal welfare and sustainable fashion and one of over 250,000 In Defense of Animals supporters, I’m writing to respectfully urge you to eliminate animal fur from your products. 

The world is waking up to the reality that fur is no longer in fashion. Retailers like Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom have stopped selling fur both in their stores and online. More than 1,500 major designers and fashion brands have also pledged to go fur free, including Canada Goose, Versace, Michael Kors, Gucci, Prada, Burberry, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Adidas, Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood, Dolce and Gabbana, and Armani. 

It is appalling that Max Mara continues to support the fur trade, despite ample evidence of the harm it causes to animals and the environment. Numerous investigations and studies into the suffering of animals on fur farms have highlighted how inherently inhumane this industry is. Fur-bearing animals are forced to spend their lives in filthy, barren cages where they’re denied everything they need to thrive and left to endure injuries, illnesses, and psychological distress that can result in stereotypic behavior and self-mutilation before they’re callously killed, typically via gassing or electrocution. The selective breeding of “monster foxes” whose excess skin produces more fur raises even more welfare concerns, as they suffer from serious health issues and can be left unable to even bear their own weight.

Not only is fur horrifically cruel, it’s environmentally destructive and poses a serious threat to human and other animal health. The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light how problematic fur farming is when it comes to the adaptation and spread of zoonotic diseases. Mink are particularly susceptible to SARS-CoV-2, among other viruses that can affect humans, while both mink and foxes have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Large numbers of animals kept together in cramped spaces are breeding grounds for zoonotic diseases in general, and farms like these may be the reason for the next pandemic. 

Fur is cruel, outdated, and dangerous, and it is time for Max Mara to join the thousands of other retailers and designers in moving away from fur for good.

Thank you for your kind consideration.

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