EU Announces Ban on Cat and Dog Fur Imports

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Respect for Animals has today (Tuesday 19 June 2007) welcomed the decisive action taken by Members of the European Parliament towards banning the barbaric cat and dog fur trade. A parliamentary vote was taken earlier today, in Strasbourg, to introduce a European Union-wide ban on the trade in all cat and dog fur.

The Humane Society International, together with Respect for Animals, has been at the forefront of the campaign, its undercover operations having exposed the trade in cat and dog fur within European member states. It is estimated that some 2 million cats and dogs are killed every year for their fur: it takes the fur of 10 to 12 dogs to make one coat, more if the it is made from the fur of puppies, whilst up to 24 cats can be killed to make a coat. Evidence shows that many of these animals may be skinned alive.

Mark Glover, Director of Respect for Animals and Humane Society International (UK), said today: ‘We are delighted that the Parliament has responded to the overwhelming wishes of the public and acted so decisively by voting for a full ban on the trade in all cat and dog fur. 

‘People are rightly disgusted when they find out that cats and dogs are killed for their fur. The film taken by the Humane Society International, showing a dog skinned alive and cats strangled in front of each other, is gut-wrenching. Investigations have shown that trade in these skins exists in the EU, and consumers may have be been buying clothing made with dog and cat skins without even realising it. 

‘This vote is the result of the commitment of MEPs, the Presidency and the member states who championed this campaign, they must all be congratulated for their actions to stop this disgusting trade.’

The campaign to ban cat and dog fur has received wide-ranging support from Members of the European Parliament, championed by Struan Stevenson MEP, and worldwide support from politicians, the public and celebrities.

Back