An innovative program sponsored by The Humane Society of
the United States (HSUS) has a solution for anyone who has inherited a
mink coat from a relative or struggled over what to do with that fox
stole in the coat closet. By sending your unwanted furs to The HSUS, you
can help injured or orphaned wildlife and receive a tax deduction.
Danielle Bays, who runs the program for The HSUS,
receives approximately 150 fur garments each year and says that the
program's popularity is growing. "Despite the fur industry's claims, fur
continues to be unfashionable," says Bays. "I get phone calls every day
from people who are concerned about the animal cruelty associated with
producing fur garments. Some of them own fur that they don't want to
wear but aren't sure how to dispose of."
The program works like this: Ship your fur garments to
The HSUS, which will provide documentation of your donation. The HSUS
will send your fur to any one of about 40 wildlife rehabilitators across
the country who participate in the program. They will cut the garment
into smaller pieces and turn them into a surrogate parent for an
orphaned wild animal, a warm nest for a burrowing animal, or just a warm
blanket. Wildlife rehabilitators report that chipmunks, raccoons,
squirrels and opossums given a piece of fur have shown reduced stress
levels. If you itemize your deductions on your tax return, you can claim
the fair market value of the garment on your tax return for the year in
which you make the donation. Fair market value is the amount for which
you could sell the fur today - not it's original price. Tax laws require
an appraisal for items valued at $5,000 or more. The HSUS advises you to
consult a tax attorney with any questions.
Furs should be mailed to:
Danielle Bays
The Humane Society of the United States
2100 L St., NW
Washington, DC 20037
The fur donation program is part of The HSUS' Fur Free
2000 Campaign, which is designed to save animals used for their fur by
educating consumers about the animal cruelty associated with fur,
working with manufacturers to promote alternatives to fur garments,
encouraging designers and retailers to curtail their use of fur, and
seeking stronger laws protecting animals. For more information, visit
The HSUS' web site -
http://www.hsus.org
Go on to Fur
Coats And Fur
Return to 20 November 2000 Issue
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