Protesters call for end to Macy's fur sales

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Animal rights activists gathered outside Macy's Herald Square department store Friday to protest the chain's sale of fur.

Roughly 75 people turned out in the cold weather, carrying signs depicting skinned and caged animals and chanting rhymes like "no more cages, no more traps, no more fur on Macy's racks."

The protest involving members of the Animal Defense League and In Defense of Animals was one of many that take place around the nation the day after Thanksgiving, on what animal rights activists have dubbed "Fur-Free Friday."

Macy's has drawn the brunt of activists' outrage because it is one of the nation's largest fur retailers.

"Macy's already has a steady campaign of consumer protest," said Josephine Bellaccomo, an ADL member at the protest. "Over 12,000 former Macy's customers have joined the boycott and resolved that they will not shop for Macy's until Macy's goes completely fur-free."

Some of the chants vividly described how animals are killed to feed the fur trade.

"How did Macy's kill that fur today?" protesters yelled. "Gassing, trapping, anal electrocution," others responded.

Bellaccomo said the group planned to continue protesting Macy's this season and encourage others to boycott the store. "We're all driven here for one reason," she said. "We're driven by our compassion. We want to see an end to the fur trade."

Furriers, animal-rights activists renew battles
Jan. 18, 1996
Animal-rights group apologizes to N.Y. mayor over ad
September 1, 2000

Macy's
IDA - In Defense of Animals
Animal Defense League of New York City

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.