Bill Would End Sale of Raccoon Dog Fur in New York

June 11, 2007

Humane Society Investigation Finds False Labeling and False Advertising of Dog Fur in Fashion Industry

The Humane Society of the United States is urging New York state lawmakers to pass recently introduced legislation that would ban the sale of raccoon dog fur.  State law already prohibits the sale of fur from domestic dogs and cats, and the new legislation would add the raccoon dog – a member of the dog family killed in China for fur trim – to that list. The bills are A. 7869a by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan) and S. 5377a by Senator Serphin Maltese (R-Queens).

A recent investigation by The HSUS found improperly identified raccoon dog fur on jackets from a number of companies that maintain New York locations, including Bergdorf Goodman, Macy's, Burlington Coat Factory and J.C. Penney. Laboratory testing revealed that fur-trimmed jackets advertised as "faux" fur, or labeled as raccoon, coyote, rabbit or another species of animal, actually contained fur from raccoon dogs, creating widespread consumer confusion. 

"New York shoppers would be horrified to know they are buying fur from a type of dog killed in the most gruesome ways and often skinned alive," said Michael Markarian, executive vice president of The HSUS. "State lawmakers can protect dogs from this misery and protect consumers from this cruel deception."

In the wake of this winter's fur scandal, designers such as Michael Kors, DKNY, Rocawear and Sean John pledged not to use raccoon dog fur. Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Foot Locker decided to stop using fur altogether.

"The use of raccoon dog fur on products advertised as faux fur is an affront on many levels—not only are these animals brutally slaughtered, but conscientious consumers are being duped by the industry's misrepresentation," said Assemblywoman Rosenthal. "Unfortunately, we can't outlaw the inhumane treatment of these animals in China, but with the legislation I have introduced in the Assembly, we can at least ensure that New York State plays no part in this deplorable practice."

"As an animal lover I find it particularly appalling that the fashion industry would dupe the public by passing off products with raccoon dog fur as 'faux' fur," said Senator Maltese. "By banning the sale of products containing raccoon dog fur from being sold in New York State, we are doing our part to help put a stop to this lamentable trade."

A separate bill in the U.S. Congress – H.R. 891, the Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act – would ban the sale of raccoon dog fur and require all garments trimmed with fur to be labeled, regardless of value. Current law allows fur valued at less than $150 to go unlabeled. This legislation was introduced by Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) and Rep. Mike Ferguson (R-N.J.) and currently has about 100 cosponsors. It is assigned to the House Ways and Means Committee, chaired by Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), and endorsed by retailers and designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Burlington Coat Factory, Loehmann's, House of Deréon, Marc Ecko Enterprises and Buffalo Exchange.

For more information on The HSUS' fur investigations, visit humanesociety.org/furfree.

Facts:

• The HSUS investigation found raccoon dog fur on 80 percent of a nationwide sample of fur-trimmed jackets purchased from well-known retailers and designers. Of the raccoon dog fur jackets tested, not a single one properly identified the animal in advertising or labeling, instead calling it such things as faux fur, raccoon, or simply not labeling it at all. 
• Estimates on the number of raccoon dogs being caged and killed in China range from 1.5 million to 4 million. 
• It is illegal to import, export, sell or advertise any domestic dog fur in the United States, but raccoon dog fur is currently not included in this ban.
• The Dog and Cat Protection Act of 2000 banned the trade in domestic dog and cat fur after an HSUS investigation revealed the death toll of 2 million animals a year in China and other parts of Asia and found domestic dog fur for sale in the United States.

Timeline:

• 2005 - HSUS begins investigation into raccoon dog fur trade.
• February 2006 - HSUS announces widespread industry scandal finding raccoon dog fur for sale in United States.
• December 2006 - Tests commissioned by HSUS investigators find raccoon dog fur on jackets being advertised as "faux" and labeled as other species such as raccoon or coyote.
• February 2007 - Tests commissioned by HSUS investigators find domestic dog fur on unlabeled jackets being advertised as "faux" fur.
• February 2007 - U.S. Representatives Jim Moran (D-Va.) and Michael Ferguson (R-N.J.) introduce the Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act, H.R. 891.
• March 2007 - HSUS files petition with FTC seeking to enforce the Fur Products Labeling Act.
• April 30, 2007 - A.B. 7869 and S.B. 5377, legislation to ban the sale of raccoon dog fur in New York State introduced.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org.