PETA's cyberspace anti-fur protest

PETA US and animals rights supporter and vegetarian Stella McCartney are coming together to cohost the world’s first anti-fur protest on Second Life – a 3-D virtual world built and owned by its residents, which you can join at anytime from now until 29th July.

This demonstration will occur on a purpose built island in the Second Life virtual world and visitors can lend their virtual support. All those who participate will receive a goodie bag, chock full of anti-fur accessories, for their avatars to utilise in spreading awareness about the anti-fur campaign to the 8 million residents of this online settlement. Visitors can also donate money in the currency of the island (Linden dollars), which PETA US will exchange for real money to benefit animals.

Millions of fur-bearing animals are slaughtered each year on fur farms and in the wild. 85% of the fur industry's skins come from factory farms where animals are held captive in shocking conditions, often trapped in small cages. Some animals are conscious whilst they are being skinned and others are poisoned, gassed, beaten to death or electrocuted with rods that are forced into their mouths or anuses. Companion animals such as cats and dogs are also used for fur. The online protest is not only a fun activity but a serious endeavour, so get protesting.

As well as the joys of cyberspace involved, there are bonafide prizes, including two tickets to McCartney’s spring 2008 runway show in Paris, one of her Appaloosa bags and her Care skin care line. The competition is for a new slogan based on the tagline, “I’d rather go naked than wear fur.”

To enter the virtual world and take part in the 3-D protest go to the Secondlife.com website and enter “PETA and Stella McCartney Anti-Fur Protest” in the search field, to discover the island.