shekpvar is right though in that the discomfort in furries originated from the assumption that a> it's primarily socially awkward young men having sex/cuddling in costume for "hobby" and that b> the costume is appealing to small children and could be exploited by someone with less than honest ideas.

This kind of falls into the same realm of other "childlike" kinks like diaper wearing and dolly adult dress up for some folks. I remember a MTV expose back in the 90's that brought furries to light in pop culture, and was focused on the sexhole pervert type and not the "I identify with an animal" types. This meant that there was a whole generation of people who are quick to slap the "pervert" label on every furry/fursuit person they see no matter how liberal they see themselves.

Definitely does NOT defend threats of violence, but when you bring the suits out into public spaces there will be assumptions made by people who may not understand/want to understand the innocent roots to the behavior.