Trade in Cat and Dog Fur to Be Banned
The ban on trade and production of cat and dog fur within the European Union was welcomed by officials and animal rights activists.
The ban on the production, marketing, import and export of cat and dog fur within the EU was proposed by the European Commission today.

Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) revealed that the trade in cat and dog fur is far bigger than was ever previously believed. Cat and dog fur industry in China, Thailand and the Philippines involves stealing pets or picking stray animals, killing and skinning them while they are still alive.
HSUS has revealed that more than 2 million of these domestic animals are abused and killed by the international fur trade each year. These animals end up as gloves, coats, hats or fur trim, while skins are used in the production of drums and other musical instruments.

Many skilled furriers dye and treat cat's fur so it becomes identical to mink or fox. Around 24 cats are required to make a fur coat, and 10-12 dogs.

Cat fur is known by several names: house cat, wild cat, Katzenfelle, Goyangi, mountain cat.

Dog fur may be labelled as gae-wolf, goupee, or sobaki, among other names, while dog skin is often referred to as special skin, lamb skin or mountain goat skin.

"The UK has been calling for action at EU level on this issue and I am pleased that the European Commission has made this announcement. I know there has been a lot of concern and I am keen we get the ban in place as quickly as possible," Ian McCartney, Minister for Trade said, welcoming the Commission's announcement.

There are however political moves to ban the sale of cat and dog fur within the US. A national bill is currently passing through its various stages that would, if successful, ban the cat and dog fur trade. The bill would also require labelling of fur content for all fur products.

"An EU-wide ban is far more effective than unilateral national action and
we will work closely with our European partners to ensure a workable ban is implemented as quickly as possible," Ben Bradshaw, Minister for Animal Welfare said.

More information: www.hsus.org

http://www.torontodailynews.com/index.php/BusinessNews/2006112009Cat-Dog-Fur