Shoppers Beware: Macy's Is Third Chain Found Advertising Real Fur as "Faux" |
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December 15, 2006
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This Sean John jacket, made with raccoon fur according to the label, was advertised on Macy's website as having an "imitation rabbit fur collar." |
With just ten shopping days until Christmas, The Humane Society of the United States today revealed that Macy's is selling a coat advertised as containing faux fur that contains real fur that is visually similar to that of raccoon dogs killed inhumanely in China. The news comes just days after other fur garments were discovered falsely advertised as faux at Burlington Coat Factory and Loehmann's, revealing an industry-wide problem with fur labeling.
The latest discovery is a Sean John brand jacket advertised on the Macy's website as having an "imitation rabbit fur collar" and "Nylon/faux fur/goose down." Only after our investigators purchased the coat could they read the labels stating that the coat is "Made in China" and trimmed with "genuine raccoon fur."
The HSUS has submitted the fur for DNA testing, to determine whether it is raccoon dog, a type of dog raised in China whose fur resembles raccoon. Animal welfare groups, including The HSUS, have documented extremely cruel conditions under which fur-bearing animals—including dogs, cats and raccoon dogs—are raised and killed in China, including video that shows animals being skinned alive. At least half of all finished fur products entering the United States for sale come from China.
Earlier this week, The HSUS revealed that Burlington Coat Factory was falsely advertising real fur garments as faux fur in newspaper circulars, on its web site and in store displays at its 350 locations nationwide. The company pulled the ads and has agreed to discuss its fur policy with The HSUS. The HSUS has also submitted those fur garments, which were labeled as raccoon fur and coyote fur from China, for DNA testing to determine whether they are dog fur.
Industry-wide problems are not limited to incorrect advertising. Many jackets sold in the United States with real fur trim are not required even to indicate the presence of fur on the label, leading consumers to guess whether the trim is real or faux. The HSUS is working to close this loophole through federal legislation. Congress adjourned last week without taking action on a fur-labeling bill, but The HSUS intends to seek reintroduction of the measure in 2007.
See the Video
Macy's investigation
Related Links
Burlington Pulls Offending Fur Ads
The Cruel Reality of Fur Production
Dog and Cat Victims of the Fur Trade
