Cat and Dog fur ban comes into force
The fur of cat and dogs will no longer be imported, exported or sold anywhere in the European Union, when an EU-wide ban comes into force on 31 December 2008.
The UK Government had actively pushed for the ban The UK banned commercial fur farming in 2001.
Trade Minister Gareth Thomas said:
"This ban will give UK consumers confidence that whether shopping here or within the EU, they will not be sold products containing cat or dog fur.
"This is an abhorrent trade which has no place in our markets."
Minister for Farming and the Environment Jane Kennedy said:
"I am pleased that the EU ban will mean that British consumers will no longer face the possibility of unknowingly buying fur from cats or dogs ."
There is little evidence of cat and dog fur being imported into the UK. However such fur has been found in other EU countries in products ranging from children's soft toys, to fur trims on boots and coats. The UK Government believes a harmonised EU-wide approach is the most effective tool to stamp out this dreadful trade.