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Jean-Claude Van Damme fights fur industry
Actor partners with Belgian animal protection organization GAIA on new ad campaign.
Fri, Oct 14 2011 at 2:04 PM
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GAIA
Action star Jean-Claude Van Damme is going after the fur industry in a shocking new ad that's as brutal as it is commendable.
Made in partnership with Belgian animal protection organization GAIA (Global Action in the Interest of Animals), the spot features Van Damme holding a skinned mink with the words "Coming This Winter To All Fur Stores: The Victims." It's featured prominently as a massive billboard in downtown Brussels and will tour an additional seven Belgian cities throughout the month of October.
"I fail to see what is attractive about walking around in an animal skin; I suspect the animals would agree with me." Van Damme, who has become the organization's newly appointed anti-fur ambassador, said in a statement.
Belgium has 20 mink farms and kills roughly more than 15,000 animals each year. Conditions are terrible, with each mink confined to a small wire cage approximately 80 by 30 by 30 centimeters for seven to eight months. According to a 2009 poll, nine out of 10 Belgians agree with a ban on the cruel industry.
"The Victims" is a cry from the heart against the fur trade, based on the suffering and unnecessary death of millions of animals," said the president of GAIA, Michel Vandenbosch.
To see the full ad, jump here.
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Thank you Jean-Claude for helping with this. I have always love your work and think you are a wonderful person inside and out. Lets see more movies, please. You the man!!!
We all proud of be fans and friends of our Warrior and Sweet Star Jean-Claude Van Damme ♥ Really,he has a beautiful heart and pure soul :)
I admire Jean-Claude Van Damme for his dedication to fight to help these poor defenseless animals that are slaughtered mercilessly by people who for money, do not hesitate to do evil. Jean-Claude you really are the best!!!!!!!!!
It's good seeing celebrities like JCVD advocating environmental issues. Individuals with clout should take advantage of their influence with the public to make important issues aware.
Juan Miguel Ruiz (Going Green)
This only shows how Jean-Claude has great heart and that he cares for others.I am happy cuz being fan of such great actor with good heart.
I am proud to be a Van Damme fan , 'cause of his goodnes , and his big heart , he indeed is like a saint to me ! I'm really happy that he "fights" for animal rights ! Keep up the good work Mr.Van Damme .
Jean - Claude Van Damme is not only an undisputed global player but a true Master! and especially a big heart (Lionheart), Thank you Master for teaching me so much ... I will follow you FOREVER!
Jean-Claude Van Damme is a real hero. Not too many celebs do this because they really wanna do it, unlike Van Damme, he is a guy with a heart of gold.