The Chinese Fur Trade

While fur coats may not often be seen on the high street, fur trim is high fashion. Everything from boots, to coats, even knitwear is subject to fashion's latest fad - fur. The fur has to be cheap and where does the fashion industry go to get cheap and plentiful supplies of fur? China of course. A recent report on the fur trade in China reveals that China is currently producing 1.5 million fox and racoon dog pelts annually as well as mink and even dog and cat fur.

China is a country without any legal provisions for animal welfare so it comes as no surprise that undercover investigators found routine abuse of the animals in housing, husbandry, transport and slaughter.

(c)SAP/East International

Most horrifically animals were routinely skinned whilst still alive and often while still conscious. Even when stripped of their skin some animals were seen to be still alive up to 10 minutes later. The horror of this was captured on video which you can watch by using these links. Be warned, the films are very upsetting. The one from East International is quite long and the most upsetting.

East International

SAP

An alternative site hosting the video

Read the full report on the Care for the Wild International website. Click this link

These organisations are appealing to:

• Fashion designers to shun the use of fur in their collections

• Shoppers not to buy fur garments, accessories or clothes with fur trimmings

• Retailers not to stock garments, accessories or clothes with fur trimmings

• European Parliament to ban the import of fur from China and garments that contain such fur

• Chinese government to prohibit the skinning of live animals

• Chinese government to prohibit inhumane treatment, confinement and slaughter of animals.