ACTION ALERT: Tell Columbia Sportswear to stop selling fur

Even though Columbia Sportswear is listed as a fur-free company, it has begun selling jackets and hats made with real coyote fur through its Canadian brand, Sorel. In a 2010 article with the Humane Society of the United States, Columbia’s Corporate Responsibility Manager said,“Columbia does not use animal fur in any of its products, relying instead on faux fur made to deliver the high levels of warmth and comfort our consumers demand."

Despite knowing the cruelty involved with every fur-trim and that faux fur is just as good as the real thing, Columbia has decided to change course and profit off the suffering and death of coyotes, who are exclusively trapped for their fur.

Trapping is an inherently violent practice that is as unnecessary as it is cruel. Coyotes can die trying to free themselves from dehydration, blood loss and hypothermia. They can even become so desperate, they resort to chewing or wringing off their own trapped limb in order to escape, as well as breaking teeth and bones in the process only to be killed hours or even days later.

Also, there is no way to ensure that non-target species – including domestic dogs and cats – do not get caught, maimed or killed by these traps.

One of the best ways that you can help animals who suffer greatly for fur trim is to tell Columbia’s executives that you'll boycott the company, and all its brands, until it stops selling fur. Many of Columbia Sportswear’s competitors—including The North Face, Marmot, Patagonia, Mammoth Outerwear, Arc’teryx, and Fjällräven —have stopped selling fur.

TAKE ACTION

Speak out against the killing of animals for their skins. Write to Columbia Sportswear’s executives now and urge them to go fur-free. Send your letter to:

Tim Boyle

President and CEO

tboyle@columbia.com

Ron Parham

Sr. Director of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications

rparham@columbia.com

Andy Nordhoff

Public Relations

anordhoff@columbia.com

Scott Trepanier

Public Relations

strepanier@columbia.com

WRITING TIPS

Stay on point:this issue is about Sorel’s use of fur – not anything else. Keep your comments directed to the facts and provide citations if necessary.

Stay polite and use spell check: if you’re rude, aggressive, misspell words, or use incorrect grammar, readers may become disengaged or dismissive of your points.

Provide solutions:rather than just say what’s wrong, say what’s right. Offer solutions or alternatives to help move forward conversations.

Let us know what you hear:if you receive a message back from your representative, or they would like to discuss the issues in greater detail with us, please let us know by emailing info@thefurbearers.com.

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