Fur trade
Legislation has now been passed by the European Parliament which will make it illegal to import or export products containing dog or cat fur in the EU by December 2008.
The Scottish SPCA believes the onus will be on the British Government to ensure the law is properly implemented.
Investigations into the dog and cat fur trade have revealed that animals are not only raised in terrible conditions and then brutally strangled or stabbed to death, solely for their furs and skins. It is apparent that many are also still alive when they are skinned.
The trade is most prevalent in China. Often the fur is sold within Europe without being properly identified, or is labelled as ‘other fur'. It is also often used in novelty gift items and purchased unwittingly by holidaymakers.
It is estimated that the ban, which is already in place in the USA, will save the lives of up to two million animals a year and will be crucial for stamping out the market.
It is now imperative that the UK fully implements the ban, as without proper policing dog and cat fur products will still find their ways onto our shelves.
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