Europe proposes ban on cat and dog fur trade
Nov 21, 2006
WSPA welcomes the announcement of the European Commission to support the proposal to ban the import, export and sale of cat and dog fur into the European Union.
We would like to applaud our member organisation the Humane Society International and their partner organisation Respect for Animals, whom after many years of campaigning have successfully managed to get the issue on the European Commission’s agenda.
On Monday 20 November 2006, the EU Commissioner Markos Kyprianou announced that the European Commission is putting forward draft legislation to ban the production, marketing and trade of cat and dog fur throughout countries of the European Union (EU).
A matter of political will
It is estimated that two million cats and dogs are being killed in China by fur traders each year. Evidence shows that many of these animals may be skinned alive.
Cat and dog fur is mainly produced in China but there is evidence of a thriving cat and dog fur trade also in many European countries.
The European Union‘s growing awareness of the dog and cat fur issue, as well as its increasing reaction to it, is due in no small part to the Humane Society International (HSI) and their partner organisation Respect for Animals, which have been investigating the trade for years.
Mark Glover, Director of Humane Society International (UK) and Respect for Animals, said today: ‘People are disgusted when they find out that cats and dogs are being killed for their fur.
‘The trade is barbaric and a ban is long overdue so we very much welcome the European Commission’s announcement and will be working to ensure that the draft ban becomes law as soon as possible. Any delay means more innocent animals dying.’
‘Investigations have shown that the trade exists in the EU, and consumers may be buying clothing made with dog and cat skins without even realising it.
The cat and dog fur producers have often deceived consumers and importing authorities by the deliberate mislabelling of the fur.’
Recognition of fur cruelty
WSPA welcomes the EC's political will to ban the trade in cat and dog fur as a great step towards the recognition of fur as a cruel and unnecessary fashion item.
All fur bearing animals are sentient beings and all feel pain and suffering as a result of the confinement, handling and killing methods.
WSPA is completely opposed to the taking of animals from the wild for their fur or skins, and to the farming of animals for the same purpose and therefore we are proud members of the Fur Free Alliance.