Animal rights campaigners gathered outside the new Urban Outfitters store on Sidney Street earlier today (06/05) in protest of the animal products used in its items on sale.

Protesters from the animal rights organisation PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) assembled on the pavement outside the store shortly after midday to pressure the corporation to drop the use of animal products from their fashion lines.

The group wore animal masks and placards which depicted scenes of animal cruelty.

PETA director Elisa Allen commented: “Urban Outfitters brands want to reach progressive young people with their designs – but selling the skin, hair, and feathers of tormented animals will get them nowhere.”

She continued: “Any material that’s taken from an animal is a product of fear, and PETA is calling on Urban Outfitters to be true to its commitment to sustainability and ethical standards by selling only animal-friendly vegan fabrics, which it already stocks.”

PETA announced the protest on Twitter yesterday afternoon, condemning the sale of wool, cashmere, mohair, leather, down and alpaca fleece in Urban Outfitters’ stores. In a separate statement, PETA reiterated that they considered these materials “each a product of extreme violence, cruelty, and fear.”

The new branch of Urban Outfitters opened for business on Sidney Street today (06/05) having announced their arrival to Cambridge last month.