This is our letter to the chairman of ebay explaining our position.


To Pierre M. Omidyar I am writing to ask that you stop your part in the fur trade.

I know that action has been taken by animal rights campaigners about this already and the word is that eBay as a company doesn't care about anything but money. I understand the ins and outs of business and find it hard to believe such a fresh company would want to be associated with such a controversial and out of date trade.

Most people that I have spoken to were not aware of eBay’s part in this and were really shocked to hear it. I am sure that the majority of your younger market is going to be sorely disappointed. Especially as we live in a day and age where consumers, are becoming ever more conscious of making the right choices when shopping.

I know eBay cares about trying not to offend people because of your policy about even suggestive nudity (a friend wanted to sell charity calendars and wasn’t allowed to because of this).

From an animal rights perspective, we won’t let the fur trade go unnoticed and your part in it is going to be highlighted more and more (I am collecting petitions as we speak). Animal rights campaigners care so much that they will keep going until you stop, and I can’t believe you want that kind of trouble and publicity.

eBay has a wonderful opportunity here to show itself as a forward thinking ethical market place and publicly withdraw from fur sales! Surely that would be better in terms of money in the future?

When it comes to vintage fur, I am afraid the policy would need to be clear cut and ban all fur simply because of the importance of attitude. Being drawn into the in's and outs of when the animal died is irrelevant. If you show and condone the wearing of any age fur, you are increasing the popularity of the fur trade and making it seem the norm.

I have seen many of the shocking ways animals are kept and treated in the fur trade and even if you are not moved by the plight of wolves, it certainly brings the message home when you see cages packed to the top with dogs that look like they could be yours, their faces show such incredible sadness and confusion as they are piled on top of each other and prodded viciously through the cage. When the crates are unloaded from the lorries they just throw them to the ground from any height and don’t blink at the whimpers that can be heard. They dogs are so brave though, or more bewildered (many of them are stolen pets, still wearing their collars). It is the same story for the cats and they are usually skinned alive. Dog and cat fur is sold as other fur and people are severely misled if they think they can be certain what they are wearing (no matter how old!) Regardless of what the animal is, there has been torture and suffering in the making of every fur item your company is allowing to be sold.

I personally was a fan of eBay but since learning of your part in this I am dedicating a lot of my time to raising awareness. I know that other groups will continue to take action and it would be sad to see you become yet another massive corporate company known for its fights with animal rights and not very fair on your staff.

Please make the right choice for your company and image if nothing else.

Awaiting your reply Yours Sincerely
FTFT