It is autumn again and just like last year, I have to mention the fur industry. This time, there will be no talk of fur coats or hat pom poms but of mink lashes. It’s something that is in high demand all year round.
What do minks and lashes have in common ?
The matter is of the production of false lashes made of mink hair. I will try hard to remain calm and not comment excessively on the stupidity and lack of need for this product. Let’s focus on the facts. If you are CONSCIOUSLY using mink lashes, please think about this. I say ‘CONSCIOUSLY’ because many people genuinely do not know that mink lashes are actually made of minks. Even when they aware of this, they mistakenly believe in this fur being cruelty-free.
Cruelty-free fur does not exist
If we look closely at the packaging and websites of companies producing mink lashes, we’ll notice that they often use the term ‘cruelty-free’ to ensure their customers, that the fur used is cruelty-free. These are lies! And a very sneaky marketing move.
Let’s establish one thing.
The terms ‘cruelty-free’ and ‘natural fur’ are contradictory.
Nothing that is made of natural fur, especially mink and fox fur, is cruelty-free or ethical. Minks are one of the most commonly bred species on fur farms where they surely are not happily living their lives to the fullest.
Let’s attempt to understand the cruelty-free justification
Mink lashes are made of mink hair that are leftovers from fur production. Rumor has it, that this hair is obtained by brushing the hair out but let’s be honest, no one in this industry has the time to gently brush the minks to pull out some of their hair.
Even if was the case, it is a part of the fur industry where the animals spend their lives in captivity, in cages half a metre by half a metre.
By the term ‘cruelty-free’ one might have the euthanasia process in mind, or the living conditions of animals. In the most positive scenario – speaking hypothetically – minks are kept in spacious cages, fed regularly and are gassed to death (ehem.. I mean euthanized) often in the same cages they spent their entire lives in.
In reality, these animals rarely have enough room to move around, are fed a well balanced diet or their health is being looked after.
It’s a common process to fatten up the animal before its killed to obtain more fur. As you can image, in a cage with no room for exercise, the chances for fat animals being healthy is very low.
The cages are small, occupied by several individuals which increases the chances of aggression. Wounded animals are not looked after. They are left alone with open wounds rubbing against metal crates.
So what?
There is not a single reason in the world that would justify the need to kill other living beings to flutter our lashes. To make us look ‘beautiful’ shall we say.
If you wear fur, nothing will make you truly beautiful.
How will I know the difference?
I’m glad you ask!
Read the labels. Ensure the packaging clearly states that the lashes are synthetic. A cruelty-free statement is not enough. Companies use this term to claim that they use ‘cruelty-free’ fur. Don’t believe that! Only buy synthetic. I recommend these, these from Eylure.
Don’t stop there!
Now that you are aware of this problem, there is a lot more you can do for animals.
As well as paying attention to your shopping choices, don’t forget about signing petitions and boycotting the fur trade. There is no need for this barbarism in 21st century.
If you would like to read why fur is a particular topic of interest at this time of the year read my article: Autumn is a beautiful season for ugly people .
Photo Credit: Onyx AB & Baltic Devon Livestock Farms in Latvia / Dzīvnieku brīvība (Animal Freedom) / Flickr
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