Cat and dog fur trade banned by EU

Trading in dog and cat fur is to be banned in Europe after mounting evidence that unscrupulous manufacturers are using cheap pelts from China to line coats and gloves and to make children’s toys.

Importers will have to prove that fur trimming is not canine or feline under a European Commission directive proposed yesterday after a public campaign led by celebrities including Lady McCartney, the former model Heather Mills.

US investigators estimate that about two million dogs and cats are slaughtered each year for their pelts, which are often disguised by dying and can even be labelled as artificial fur. A BBC documentary featuring Lady McCartney found that fur trimmings on sale at market stalls along Oxford Street in London were made from dog and cat pelts.

The ban is likely to become law next year after concern at the discovery of clothing, toys and rugs labelled “Gae wolf”, “Asian jackal” or “Corsac fox” that turned out to be dog and cat fur. Pelts are often passed off as fake fur because they are cheaper than the synthetic material.