European Commission announce that cruel trade in cat and dog fur is to be banned

Monday, November 20, 2006

EU Commissioner Markos Kyprianou today (Monday 20 November) announced that the European Commission is putting forward draft legislation to ban the marketing and import of cat and dog fur. 

It is estimated that some 2 million cats and dogs are killed every year for their fur. Evidence shows that many of these animals may be skinned alive. 

Mark Glover, Director of Respect for Animals, said today: ‘People are disgusted when they find out that cats and dogs are being killed for their fur. The film obtained by the Humane Society showing dogs skinned alive and cats strangled in front of each other is gut-wrenching.

‘The trade is barbaric and a ban is long overdue so we very much welcome today’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 in these skins 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. 

‘We look forward to the import ban being implemented at the earliest opportunity and thank Mr Kyprianou for responding to the overwhelming wishes of the public who want to see an end to the trade.’

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