Dog and cat fur
Fur from pet animals
In late 1998, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) proved that at least 2 million dogs and cats were being slaughtered for their fur annually. These animals are mainly being killed in China, but the slaughter of cats and dogs also occurs in other Asian countries. At that time, most of this fur was being exported to North America and Europe. The HSUS were able to show that cat and dog fur products were being sold in several American clothes shops or department stores. Their findings led to great public and political outrage, which ultimately resulted in a legal ban on the trade of dog and cat fur in the United States.
Ban on dog and cat fur in the US
Since November 1999, the sale, production and/or importation of clothing, toys or any other product made from dog or cat fur is a criminal offence in the United States. This legislation is the result of the HSUS's successful campaign. However, the downside is that as a result of the US ban, more dog and cat fur will be exported to Europe. This is yet another good reason to not buy any items made from real fur.
Gruesome fur scandal in Asia and Europe
A shocking report was broadcast on German television at the end of 1998. German reporter Manfred Karremann showed how thousands of dogs and cats in China, Thailand and the Philippines were falling victim to the fur industry every single day. The animals are caught on the streets, or are specially bred for the purpose under the most appalling circumstances. They are slaughtered in a horrific fashion, being beaten or stabbed to death or killed by strangulation. Frequently these animals are also skinned alive. The fur obtained from these animals is then traded across the globe, including Europe.
Where is dog and cat fur sold?
Karremann's report showed several fur traders who admit, without any shame whatsoever, that they export dog and cat fur to several countries of Europe, including the Netherlands. Dog and cat fur has been found in coats, fur-trimmed collars, hats, (cat) toys, and blankets. The animal origins of this fur difficult to identify. This is logical because consumers would probably never buy any of these products if they were aware that they were made out of dog or cat fur. To make it even more impossible to differentiate, the animal origins of this fur are concealed by fake names, such as Gae-wolf, wolf, or Asian and Chinese Wild Dog. The origins of these products are quite clearly of no interest to the fur industry.
Dog and cat fur also on sale in Europe
The HSUS investigation also uncovered evidence of dog and cat fur being used and sold in Europe. European countries export fur products from across the world. Since dog and cat fur is relatively cheap, it is also used to cover small figurines or dolls with hair. Coats made of dog fur are available in Germany. Moreover, in Germany cat fur is also used in blankets that are supposed to have a healing effect on people suffering from rheumatism and other joint problems. For many years, Italy has imported dog fur and skins from China and other Asian countries for the production of lining and insoles for shoes and boots. France has also imported dog fur for the production of coats. These clothing items are mainly sold in the French Alps. The investigators also located some coats and trim made from dog fur in Spain and Great Britain.
DNA tests reveal dog fur on sale in the Netherlands
Dog fur has also been found on sale in the Netherlands. This is the result of DNA tests carried out by the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam on behalf of Bont voor Dieren in 2002. Tests on 93 suspect items, produced in the Far East, revealed that 5 products were made from dog fur. It was found in fur pom-poms, which were part of a jumper, decorative cat figurines with fur, a hair accessory and a cat toy. The shops from which these items had been purchased claimed that their suppliers had informed them that they were made from rabbit fur. This research proves that producers do not tell the truth about the fur that they sell. Rabbit fur is often used as a 'cover' for dog and cat fur. Bont voor Dieren believes that the use of fur whether from a dog or a rabbit is completely unacceptable, but consumers have a right to correct information about the origins of the products that they purchase.
Research shows toxicity of dog fur cat figurines
Laboratory research conducted in December 2003 on behalf of Bont voor Dieren has proved that there are high levels of chromium in toys made of dog fur. These cat figurines, which are produced in Asia, give off 3 to 5 times the recommended safe levels of chromium. A cat toy made of fur even gave off 6 times the level. Two of these articles were made from dog fur. The decorative cat figurines are often given to children as toys. Chromium is toxic when ingested orally, this can occur when an item is handled and the mouth is then touched. Direct contact can also lead to contamination, particularly by children.
Bont voor Dieren is taking action
Bont voor Dieren also wants to put an end to this trade in animal cruelty. In a letter to the Chinese, Thai and the Philippine Embassies, we urged them to exert their influence to get these barbaric slaughterhouses shut down and to institute a ban on the killing of dogs and cats for fur. Furthermore, we have also put pressure on the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Agriculture to realise a national ban on the import and trade in dog and cat fur and leather. Similarly, together with our Fur Free Alliance partners, we have also taken action on a European level by writing to both the Agricultural Commissioner and the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection to urge a complete EU ban on the import and trade in cat and dog fur.
Current state of affairs
As a result of pressure exerted by Bont voor Dieren, in 2005 the Minister of Agriculture has expressed willingness to consider a total national import and trade ban on cat and dog fur. First, however, he wishes to conduct his own investigation into the extent of this problem and has thus commissioned a trading standards investigation into suspect fur products from China.
On a European level, Markos Kyprianou, the current EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection has agreed to do everything in his power to institute a complete EU ban on these products of animal cruelty.
Dognapping is a regular feature in SE Asian newspapers.
I've personally seen them at work with my own eyes: one guy drives the motorcycle, and the guy behind him grabs the dog. They swoop in behind the dog and grab it in such a manner that the "napper" doesn't get bitten. But the one time I saw it, it was in front of a crowded cafe, and the dog made *a lot* of noise.
Last I recall, they were paid $5 to $8 per dog, which is then sold in the restaurant for $20. That's a very large sum for a meal in SE Asia.
By the way, this is a Chinese thing, and Hanoi. Not real popular outside those groups.
Anyone who can't tell the difference between rabbit and dog or cat fur needs to get out more.