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DOGS TRUST WELCOMES BAN ON CAT & DOG FUR TRADE
AS shoppers
make the most of the bargains available in the sales, is is good to
know that they will no longer run the risk of unwittingly buying cat
or dog fur thanks to an EU-wide ban on the production, marketing,
import and export of cat and dog fur. It is hoped that the ban
will save the lives of up to 2 million cats and dogs each year in
China, where the majority of the fur is sourced. It is estimated
that 10 to 12 dogs are killed to produce one coat and up to 24 cats
slaughtered to make a cat fur coat. This ban that has now come into
effect is essential to prevent these grotesque and unnecessary
fashion items from being sold.
This trade, according to the Dogs Trust, has previously been
lucrative to furriers who place profits far above animal welfare. It
is reported that many animals involved in this trade are strays
which have been rounded up and others will be stolen pets. As well
being seen by many in Europe as a barbarically cruel practice, it is
hoped that it will also stop the inhumane conditions the animals are
often kept in.
Although most shoppers would be repulsed by the thought of wearing
cat or dog fur or supporting this trade, due to deceptive
mislabelling practices many British shoppers may have
unintentionally bought products containing or made of the fur. In
the UK it has been found on clothing – mainly as fur trims on
gloves, hats and coats, accessories such as handbags and even in
some children’s soft toys. Many other EU countries have long
established bans on the trade of dog and cat fur, but until today it
had been legal in the UK. This meant that fur traders banned from
other countries, were transporting pelts to Britain before shipping
them on.
Clarissa Baldwin, Dogs Trust Chief Executive, stated:- “We
strongly welcome this ban. Everyone knows the story of 101
Dalmatians and Cruella De Vil’s attempts to steal Dalmatian puppies
to produce a spotted fur coat; sadly this is not just a fictitious
tale. The fur industry is responsible for the suffering and deaths
of millions of dogs and cats in the name of fashion and profit. We
are delighted that the exploitation of dogs and cats will no longer
be tolerated and hope that the ban brings about the collapse of this
despicable industry.”
If you want to know more about the Dogs Trust go to
www.dogstrust.org.uk. |
PDSA AIMS FOR KNOCKOUT CHRISTMAS AS WORLD CHAMP’S MODEL GIRLFRIEND
LENDS SUPPORT
MODEL Jo-Emma
Larvin is urging animal lovers to make sure Christmas packs an even
bigger punch this year for pets in need of vets.
The glamorous partner of world light heavyweight boxing champion Joe
Calzaghe is calling for unwanted festive gifts to be given to the
UK’s leading veterinary charity PDSA to help raise funds to provide
free veterinary treatment.
Speaking as she made her own donation to one of the charity’s shops,
Jo-Emma said:- “At this time of year, we all love to indulge
our families and friends but we can also do our bit to help a good
cause.
We often receive gifts we already have or don’t really need. So
rather than leaving them to gather dust at the back of a wardrobe
why not donate them to PDSA instead?
I’m happy to
lend a hand and hope others do too. What’s more, PDSA shops are also
a great place to pick up some wonderful bargains.”
PDSA spokesperson Caroline Garbett said the charity relied on the
support from pet owners like Jo-Emma... “Our shops play a
vital role in sustaining the work done in PDSA PetAid hospitals
across the UK.
Not all of the Christmas presents we receive are appropriate yet
they can still be incredibly useful.
I’d ask anyone who has unwanted
gifts to take them along to their local PDSA shop where all presents
are appreciated.”
PDSA reported a surge in the number of toiletry sets, slippers and
socks it received last New Year, which didn’t hang around the
shelves for long as customers snapped them up.
More extravagant
donations have included Rolex watches, Tiffany jewellery and
designer clothing and accessories.
People wishing to find their local PDSA shop should visit:-
www.pdsa.org.uk/finduss. |
