From a historical point, taking an indigenous group, such as the American Indian, for them, killing animals for anything other than food and shelter was a high crime. Each time they killed and animal, they gave thanks for its life, for all it gave to them: in clothing and protection, in leathers, in meat, in fat for cooking, for oiling their boats and tools and many things history has forgotten about.
It was with the advancement of the white settlers that the animals were slaughtered � often only for fur, with the rest of their bodies being discarded. Today in countries, such as Moldova, the Ukraine, etc., in villages, the locals still use the furs of their horses, sheep and even dogs to make clothing and to provide shelter. These animals are not harvested, but have given and served all of their life and now those remains are further used.
It�s a far different matter than the harvesting and slaughter of small animals simply to make a fashion statement.
You might wish to have a look at PETA�s website for young people. It�s at:
http://www.peta2.com/uk/
best of luck on your research
Fr Bill