BRUSSELS― Evidence from a recent undercover investigation by Humane Society International reveals that the grisly business of killing cats and dogs for fur is thriving in the Czech Republic. The findings were announced here today during a news conference at the European Parliament with activist Heather Mills McCartney, MEPs Struan Stevenson, Phillip Whitehead and Paulo Casaca, and HSI undercover investigator, Richard Swain.
The investigation is part of an ongoing campaign by HSI and members of the European Parliament to end the import, export, sale and production of all items made of cat and dog fur in the EU. Animals captured or bred for this purpose in Asia are subjected to horrific living conditions and then stabbed and skinned for their fur. While the majority of the trade comes from China, it has long been a worry that EU nationals may be engaged in this as well.
At today's conference, MEP Stevenson said, "With each passing day we find increasing evidence that the sale of cat and dog fur is widespread throughout Europe. This latest evidence underscores how deeply entrenched this cruelty is, encompassing even the slaughter of EU animals. Until we ban this fur, the European Union is part of the problem."
Undercover video played at today's conference showed mostly cat skins but also some dog skins hanging from rails at one Czech warehouse. The factory worker who was videotaped said most of the skins were produced in country, but some came from China. The worker also showed the investigator "kidney belts" made of cat pelts that are sold as treatment for rheumatism and backaches.
"We have at the doorsteps of the European Union proof positive that this business is not just an Asian issue anymore, but one that is embraced by some EU nationals as well," said undercover investigator Swain. "Without a total ban on all activity on the cat and dog fur front, we can't protect consumers from unwittingly supporting this inhumane trade, let alone ensure the safety of cats and dogs living here."
The trade in dog and cat fur was first exposed by HSI in a 1998 undercover investigation when it was discovered that every year, nearly 2 million cats and dogs in Asia are raised under brutal conditions and ruthlessly slaughtered for their fur. The fur is shipped mainly to Europe using fraudulent labels for use as parka hood trim, full-length coats, toys and other items. Some of the items are dyed to look like faux fur or are not labeled at all.
Despite the official position of the European Parliament calling for a ban in this trade and the majority of the Council of Ministers supporting it, the European Commission has yet to act to end this cruel business.
As a result of the original investigation, the practice was banned in the United States, France, Italy, Greece, Belgium, Switzerland and Denmark. A separate investigation resulted in a ban in Australia.
Humane Society International is the international arm of The Humane Society of the United States, the nation's largest animal protection organization representing more than 9.5 million members and constituents. The group is based in Washington, DC and has numerous field representatives across the country and around the world. On the web at www.hsus.org.
