****Cross Post Widely****

An open letter to animal advocates & activists
(especially those in New York City & surrounding
areas)

Friends/Fellow Activists,

On February 13, 2007, New York City will join other
cities around the world in a coordinated day of action
and opposition to the cruel and inhumane Chinese fur
trade.  The purpose in forming the International
Anti-Fur Coalition was to find a way to amplify our
voices and to give added power and urgency to our
message, by having simultaneous protests take place
around the world and focused on one issue.

Earlier today, you may have seen the incredible news
about the action that took place in China.  For those
of you who have not seen the newspaper article about
the rescue of 400 cats from certain death and use for
their flesh and their fur, here is a link to the article:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/china/story/0,,2011569,00.html

The picture above is of some of the rescued cats and
is a cogent reminder of why we do what we do.

In China, organized protests are forbidden.  There is
no pretense at freedom of speech and there is very
little government sensitivity to the concept of animal
rights and the people who believe in and fight for
those rights.  Yet, 100 people took a stand today.
One of them ended up in the hospital after a
confrontation with the police. The result? ....some
400 cats were saved from a brutal and senseless
ending. Direct action in its purest form.

While this drama was unfolding in China, the valiant
and courageous crew of the Sea Shepherd Conservation
Society faced off against the Japanese whaling fleet
to defend a pod of whales.  As I read the journal of
one of the crew members, it was clear that they are
making great sacrifices to stand between the whales
and those that would spill their blood.  They are
prepared to put their lives on the line to save a whale.

In New York City, there are predictions of bitterly
cold weather on Tuesday and there is the potential for
snow.  Not the ideal conditions for a protest on 12th
Avenue just off the river.  The wind is going to be
frigid. I wish all demos could be held in 85 degree
weather in full sunshine. Then again, I wish there
wasn't a need to do the demos at all.

Let us take inspiration from those 100 activists that
stood up to the police and the Sea Shepherds who are
defending the whales at great personal risk in the most
challenging conditions.

Bundle up, dress in layers, dot forget hats, gloves and
scarves and warm footwear.  If you dress appropriately
there is no reason that the weather should keep you
from speaking out for the animals.  If you need any
more inspiration, click on the link above or look at the
picture and take a look at the rescued cats. Look at
them as individuals.  I am sure you will see one that
reminds you of a cat you know. Take heart from those
that were rescued. Don't forget about all those that
are left behind.  If you live in the area, please do
whatever you can to join the protest. If you cannot
attend, make a pledge to contact those listed below
to voice your concern and your protest.

Global Day of Action against Chinese Fur

Location:
Chinese Consulate Office
 520 12th Avenue, NY
(between 42nd & 43rd Streets)
New York, NY
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
New Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Police/Sound Permit Approved Event

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

BOYCOTT CHINESE PRODUCTS & TOURISM
INCLUDING THE BEIJING OLYMPICS IN 2008

Chinese Embassies and Consulates in the U.S.

Chinese Embassy in Washington D.C.
2201 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
Washington D.C. 20007
Tel: (202) 338-6688 or (202)5889760
Fax: (202) 588-9760

Chinese Consulate General in New York, N.Y.
520 12th Avenue
New York, NY 10036
Tel: (212) 244-9392
Fax: (212) 465-1708

Chinese Consulate General in Chicago, Ill.
100 West Erie Street
Chicago, IL 60610
Tel: (312) 803-0095
Fax: (312) 803-0110

Chinese Consulate General in Houston, Texas
3417 Montrose Blvd.
Houston, TX 77006
Tel: (713) 520-1462
Fax: (713) 521-3064

Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, Calif.
443 Shatto Place
Los Angeles, CA 90020
Tel: (213) 807-8088
Fax: (213) 807-8091

Chinese Consulate General in San Francisco, Calif.
1450 Laguna Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
Tel: (415) 674-2900
Fax: (415) 563-049

If you live outside of the USA, just do a "google"
search for the Embassy or Consulate Office closest to
you.

For more info contact Win Animal Rights at:
centcom @ war-online.org (close spaces to email)
or visit our website at: http://war-online.org