RIGA, 29 NOVEMBER 2014 –  Latvian animal protection organizations Dzīvnieku brīvība (Animal Freedom) and Sabiedrība pret kažokādām (Society Against Fur) organized the protest “Latvia Against Fur Farming” with more than 150 people participating.

The participants were wearing gas masks to symbolize that this month thousands of animals are being killed with gas at fur farms. The protest was extensively covered in Latvian media, including the evening news program in the national television and all the major news portals.

Around 150 people wearing white protective suits and gas masks gathered in one of the central squares in Riga. A speech was given, expressing a hope that Latvia will soon join those countries where fur farming is banned.

‘By protesting against fur farming in Latvia we condemn this industry which deliberately subjects animals to a horrible life in cages and death in gas chambers – it is archaic and doesn’t conform with the ethical values we have as a society living in the 21st century. We encourage everyone to be compassionate and actively speak up against this cruel industry,’

says Aivars Andersons from the organization Dzīvnieku brīvība (Animal Freedom).

Sabiedrība pret kažokādām (Society Against Fur) is an association of 10 biggest animal protection and environmental organizations in Latvia. It welcomes every organization and person that wants to work towards a fur-free Latvia.