CONSUMERS now opt for products which have not been made in a sweat shop, and from recyclable materials.

But wth all this worrying about exploiting people and the planet, it seems strange few people stop to consider animals.

Around 50 million animals are killed each year for their fur. Rabbit, mink and fox are the most commonly bred, and China is the biggest exporter of fur and has absolutely no laws to protect animals.

Millions of lambs freeze to death every year in Britain and it is common for the animals to be clipped by the blades.

Leather comes from both beef and dairy cattle, who are slaughtered while still young and whose lives are entirely under human control. Millions of are killed each year in the UK.

For silk production, moths in cocoons are placed in scalding water and boiled alive. Hundreds of silkworms are killed for just one silk scarf or tie.

I would urge your readers to consider these facts the next time they go shopping for a new jumper, shoes or scarf.

To find out about how you can be cruelty-free and fashionable please visit the new Viva! campaign website, www.thebigcoverup.org.uk.

FIONA GALBRAITH

Youth campaigner

VIVA!

BRISTOL BS2 8QH