Writer urges residents not to purchase items made with fur With the cold season now upon us and the holidays around the corner, I am writing this letter to ask all of you not to buy fur coats or anything trimmed with fur. Department stores and retailers are trying to advertise that fur is the new trend. Please do not buy it. There is no reason to wear fur or fur trimmed clothing. There are many warm and fashionable alternatives available. Fur is from animals that are trapped in the wild or are raised on fur farms. Animals that are trapped in the wild suffer in steel-jawed leghold traps, body-gripping traps or wire neck snares, often chewing through their own limbs in a desperate attempt to free themselves. They can suffer in these traps for days until the trapper finishes the animal off. Also, many animals caught are not the intended animal, some being a beloved pet. Animals raised in fur farms live their lives confined in cages and their misery ends when the animal is gassed, clubbed or electrocuted. These inhumane methods are used to avoid damaging the fur. No matter how you look at it, animals are suffering horrible unnecessary deaths just for fashion. I will admit, about 20 years ago I owned a rabbit fur coat. But when I learned how this coat was made, I never wore it again and I will never wear fur. I am hoping to change at least one person’s mind with this letter. Over 30 million animals are killed each year for the fur industry. Don’t you think the animals in this world suffer enough with everything else humans are doing (I could write a book)? Wearing fur can be eliminated if people are educated and if people care enough. I care enough and I’m hoping you will too. Wearing fur isn’t chic — it’s adding to the cruelty of animals. In the 21st century, compassion is the new fashion. Please think before buying that fur coat or fur trimmed item. Wendy Beyda Marlboro