Ahead of the international day of action ‘Fur Free Friday’ on 24 November (Black Friday), comedian Sara Pascoe and actor Peter Egan have joined ranks with a growing number of celebrities backing a campaign by Animal Defenders International (ADI) to end the cruel fur trade.

Peter Egan said: “Don’t be fooled, fur is far from humane. Trapped in tiny cages, the animals endure a terrible life, and death. Please, never support this cruel industry. Join ADI and make a difference.”

Sara Pascoe said: “With so many alternatives to fur available, no animal need suffer. Using the real thing is cruel and unnecessary. Please join me and ADI in supporting the designers whose fabrics, but not principles, are fake.”

Since the launch of ADI’s shocking films ‘A Lifetime’ about the brutal short lives of two foxes, brothers Borys and Eryk, and ‘Never Humane’ exposing inhumane killing on a Polish fur farm, celebrities have lined up to speak out against wearing fur, including Ricky Gervais, Joanna Lumley, Moby, Alexandra Paul, Brian Blessed, Elaine Hendrix and legendary TV host and animal advocate Bob Barker.

ADI’s findings reveal a cruel industry hidden behind images of beauty and luxury; the desperation and suffering of sensitive, intelligent, foxes deprived of their natural lives and intensively farmed in barren, cramped, filthy conditions. The lifelong stress, deprivation and extreme confinement causes both psychological and physical damage.

Wild foxes are trapped in small bare wire cages, with babies torn from their mothers at just a few weeks old. After only seven short months, the young foxes are dragged from the cages by their tails, hung upside down and electrocuted in front of their families and other animals on the farm. Aware of what will happen to them, the animals desperately attempt to evade capture, clinging onto the mesh.

Animal Defenders International President Jan Creamer said: “Animals farmed for their fur endure a lifetime of suffering and a terrifying, painful death. Buying fur buys cruelty and we urge shoppers to say no to fur and help ADI end this brutal trade”.

Worldwide every year over 110 million animals are killed on fur farms, with more than 16 million trapped in the wild for their fur. Over 15 million foxes are killed in a year, usually for trinkets, trims and accessories.

Poland is the fourth largest producer of fox fur in the world – almost all is exported. Although the UK banned fur farming more than 15 years ago, it remains a major dealer importing and exporting fur. The UK is in fact one of the largest exporters of fur in Europe; garment exports amount to over €25 million a year, while imports of fur skins are valued in millions, including £4.5 million from Poland and £4.5 million from China last year alone.

Compassionate shoppers are being tricked into buying real fur – some products being sold as “fake” have been found to be real fur. ADI advises ethical shoppers to report items that are not labelled, or mislabelled, and is providing advice on how to identify the real fur being sold as ethical fake.

Actress Joanna Lumley, said: “Be comfortable in your own skin, and not that of a poor defenceless animal caged and killed to provide it. Say no to fur and yes to helping these fashion victims. Please help ADI stop this brutal trade.”

Actor Brian Blessed, said: “Millions of wild animals live on factory farms, bred for the fashion industry. It’s time to kill the suffering, not the animal. Always choose faux and not real fur and support ADI in this campaign.”

Comedian Ricky Gervais: “Fashion is a form of escapism for many but for the animals, imprisoned and denied their most basic needs, death is the only escape. It doesn’t have to be this way – save lives by going fur-free and supporting ADI.”

Devon Prosser