LOS ANGELES – Outrage has swept continents with the showing of the undercover footage of dog and cat abuse and killing in China. The reason? A fur trade industry that relies on the fur of cats and dogs as its primary product, with clients in other countries, including Europe and America.

Last month, Larry King Live presented the footage that was filmed by an investigator who is believed to be linked to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). Celebrities and other animal rights organizations have reportedly vowed to boycott Chinese goods until this matter is addressed and the horrific abuse halted.

Such abuse witnessed was that of dogs and cats being tortured as they are skinned, beaten and thrown into boiling water, all while still alive. The public outrage also stems from the unaffected way in which Chinese workers participated in such acts. Some were even seen laughing in the process.

In Defense of Animals (IDA) has organized a peaceful demonstration in Los Angeles protesting the cruel treatment of these animals and for the termination of the industry all together. The demonstration will take place Thursday, Jan. 26, at the Chinese Consulate located on 443 Shatto Place.

“The mistreatment of dogs and cats for fur in China has got to be stopped…awareness is key along with pressure on our government to enforce the laws that are currently in place,” said Bill Crowe, Foundation Director at the Pet Care Foundation. A current American law restricts the importation of dog or cat fur.

China is the only country that has a fur trade and the industry has sustained due to “ignorance and...greed; it’s cheap,” Crowe explained. The Pet Care Foundation is one of the supporters of the demonstration, and also does their part in encouraging citizens to write their congresspersons to bring this issue to the forefront of their agenda.

Animal lovers, humanitarians and any caring citizen is encouraged to come out, between 11 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., to support the cause against the brutality of hundreds of cats and dogs overseas, and the negligence of major countries like America and  Europe to curtail this industry.

For more information, visit www.furkills.org.