15th June 2007 - End to cruel trade in dog and cat fur in sight

On Monday, the European Parliament will debate banning the import and export of cat and dog fur. The debate will be followed by a vote on Tuesday. Yorkshire and the Humber MEP Linda McAvan is backing the campaign to end the trade.

More than a million people have expressed their support for a change in the law since Labour MEPs first raised the issue eight years ago.

A survey by the RSPCA showed that 93% of respondents would not wear real fur and 92% thought that real or fake fur items should be clearly labelled.

Linda McAvan said;

“I have yet to meet anyone who thinks that dogs and cats should be skinned to make coats, and many people are appalled at the suggestion, but there is evidence that people are unwittingly buying clothing made from the furs both here in Britain and across the EU. At least 2 million dogs and cats are slaughtered for their furs each year - mostly in China and other Asian countries, and some of that fur ends up on European markets. Hopefully we can put an end to that at long last."

• Once the European Parliament as a whole has voted on these proposals, the law will come into force within 18 months (December 2008).
• Over 2 million dogs and cats are slaughtered each year for their furs and skins, mostly in China and other Asian countries. At least 10 dogs are slaughtered to make a single coat – more if puppies are used.
• Investigators documented 50,000 to 100,000 cat pelts stockpiled at animal by-product factories in China.
• At least 10 dogs are slaughtered to make a single coat – more if puppies are used.
• Up to 24 cats are slaughtered to make one fur coat.
• As a result of an undercover operation, the U.S. Congress banned cat and dog fur and skin imports and exports in November 2000.