SYRACUSE, N.Y (NCC NEWS) — After a recent protest outside a Syracuse clothing store, a winter clothing company is highlighting its commitment to the humane treatment of animals. A representative from Canada Goose said the company believes all animals are entitled to humane treatment.
Erik Hicks watched the protest Oct. 29 from inside J Michael, the clothing store he co-owns on Marshall Street. Some animal rights organizations, such as PETA, claim Canada Goose uses animal products like coyote fur and down feathers.
Hicks said the protesters were entitled to their beliefs and opinions, but he believes there was a lack of respect when the protestors stood under the shop’s awning. He said protesters avoided communicating with store employees.
“What really hurts me is the lack of dialogue,” Hicks said. “They’re set in their beliefs, I respect that. I’ve said my beliefs, and I’d like some respect from them and my beliefs as well.”
Hicks said he is a proud supporter of Canada Goose. After having sold the product for 10 years at his store, he believed that the product does not promote animal cruelty and is helpful for the harsh Syracuse winters.
“I think it’s an awesome product,” Hicks said. “They’ve been making these coats the same way for many years. Because they’re designed for expeditions, they use the best possible material.”
Other store owners near J Michael heard about the protest.
Betsy Bell, manager of Café Kubal, spoke in general about the clothing industry. She said she believes the industry has problems.
“There’s a lot of other injustices that happen in the clothing industry,” Bell said. “A lot of people don’t know about how the animals are treated when they harvest the down for the coats.”
A Canada Goose spokesman said the company relies on transparency standards to ensure its products are ethically sourced.
Linda DeStefano, the president of People for Animal Rights in Syracuse, said that her organization does not condone any company selling animal products, no matter how they treat the animals. DeStefano believed protesters should continue voicing their opinions for animals who have no voice.
“On any product that takes something away from animals—their fur, their skin, their freedom—we stand for non-exploitation of animals in any way,” DeStefano said. “We are opposed to any wearing of fur by humans.”
DeStefano hopes that protesters influence people to stop buying and making clothes that use animal products.
