News Archive

MEPs end cruel cat and dog fur trade

6th June 2007

THE cruel trade in cat and dog fur is set to end in Europe- after Euro-MPs today won agreement for an EU-wide ban.

Wales Labour MEPs Glenys Kinnock and Eluned Morgan supported moves to end the trade, for which more than two million dogs and cats are slaughtered each year, mostly in China and other Asian countries.

Speaking from Brussels, GLENYS KINNOCK said:

"Labour Euro-MPs were the first to call for a law to ban this cruel trade and, with the support of over a million concerned citizens, we persuaded the European Commission to come forward with a draft law to ban it.

"This is another example of the European Union listening to the concerns of its citizens and taking action. Today's agreement demonstrates how people power can win through."

ELUNED MORGAN added:

"Many European Citizens are unwittingly deceived into buying garments made out of cat and dog fur due to mislabelling. This law will put an end to these deceptive practices.

"More than two million dogs and cats are slaughtered each year for their furs and skins. At least 10 dogs are slaughtered to make a single coat - more if puppies are used. Today's agreement to end this abhorrent trade is not before time."

The ban is expected to be voted through by MEPs in Strasbourg later this month. All EU countries will then have to ensure the ban is in place by December 2008.

Notes

  • Following today's meeting between the European Parliament, Council and Commission an agreement has been reached for the European Parliament to vote on in Strasbourg 18th - 21st June 2008.
  • Once the European Parliament has voted on these proposals, the law will come into force within 18 months (December 2008).
  • More than 2 million dogs and cats are slaughtered each year for their furs and skins, mostly in China and other Asian countries.
  • Investigators documented 50,000 to 100,000 cat pelts stockpiled at animal by-product factories in China.
  • At least 10 dogs are slaughtered to make a single coat - more if puppies are used.
  • Up to 24 cats are slaughtered to make one fur coat.
  • As a result of an undercover operation, the U.S. Congress banned cat and dog fur and skin imports and exports in November 2000.