October 24, 2019
The Good News
There has been a lot of bad news in the last year or two, and the world of animal welfare has not been immune. But this month a few pieces of good news have crossed my desk.
At the beginning of October, Trip Advisor announced it will no longer sell tickets to or make money from attractions that breed or import captive whales and dolphins. Trip Advisor is a huge company, and while its move is unlikely to shut down these kinds of businesses soon, it is a huge symbolic win that shows us an increasingly sensitized corporate world.
More recently, Macy’s and its subsidiary, Bloomingdale’s, announced they will stop selling fur by February 2021. The new fur-free policy includes all Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s and related brands. The companies will also close their fur vaults and salons, which offer storage, repairs, and alteration of furs.
Some have argued that the move is merely the result of a dying business model. But, you know what? I don’t care. I care that selling furs is ending in one of the largest retail conglomerates in North America. I care that this is a reflection of a shift in society—a good one, and one that will help end the suffering of animals.
And I want to celebrate some good news for a change.
Bruce Roney
President and CEO