Even a fur trim comes from extreme cruelty to animals
6.4.2023
Whether a fur pom-pom, fur collar or fur trimming on jackets and scarves, each tiniest piece of trim is directly connected to cruelty to animals. No matter how much fur is used, from an animal welfare perspective , real fur is never 'ethically correct'. The fur industry has been serving us this and many other lies for years in order to rehabilitate the use of fur. In fact, in the past years up to 100 million animals died annually to be turned into fashion items.
Due to a reduced demand, legal restrictions in more and more EU Member States and devastating COVID-19 outbreaks on mink farms, global production numbers are declining. Ninety-five percent of furs traded worldwide originate from fur farms mainly in China and Europe where mink, racoon dogs, foxes and other animals are kept in tiny wire cages. In these cages the animals are unable to act out natural behaviour and have species-typical experiences like swimming or digging. This monotonous life leads to permanent stress, severe behavioural disorders, self-mutilation and cannibalism. After a few months, the young animals on fur farms are killed in the so-called 'fur harvest'. They suffer an agonising death by gassing or electrocution.
No legal protection for fur animals
In the EU there are no directives or detailed regulations on keeping fur-bearing animals. In 1999, the Council of Europe adopted a recommendation on fur farming. However, it is totally inadequate from the perspective of animal welfare because it continues to permit the confinement of fur animals in tiny cages. Wire-mesh floors and a lack of areas for climbing, digging and bathing are tolerated. Many EU states have no additional regulations on fur farming. Fortunately, more and more countries choose to protect fur animals through stricter national legislation or by completely banning fur farms. But on a global level, most fur animals are either insufficiently protected or not protected at all. China, by far the world’s principal producer of fur, also has no enforceable law that would protect animals on fur farms.
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Animal welfare needs cannot be met on fur farms
The 2023 published report The Case Against Fur Factory Farming: a scientific review of animal welfare standards and ‘WelFur’reveals the extent of animal welfare failings inherent on fur farms and highlights that the current regulatory framework for the protection of fur animal welfare in the European Union is inadequate. It also finds that the fur industry’s WelFur scheme is not able to address the major welfare issues for mink, foxes and racoon dogs farmed for fur and establishes that enrichment of existing housing systems is unable to address the welfare problems inherent in the cage systems used by the fur industry.
Trapping of wild animals
Trapping, too, is extremely brutal. In North America especially, coyotes, foxes and red lynx are caught using spring traps, snares and body-gripping traps. However, whatever animal first activates a trigger is trapped. Hence, trapping injures or kills countless dogs, cats, deer, and other animals. Trapped animals are often not killed immediately and may be left in agony for days.
Fur products are always based on animal suffering. Luckily, an increasing number of fashion chains go fur-free.
- Fashion companies stop selling of fur products!
- Statutory bans on fur farming, as well as an associated import and trade ban on fur and fur products!
- Until a sales ban on fur is achieved: clear labelling of fur products regarding species, production method and origin so consumers can choose to object to animal cruelty in their clothing.
Support our petition!
As someone deeply immersed in the field of animal welfare and ethical treatment, my expertise spans across various topics concerning animals used for fashion, particularly the contentious issue of fur production. I've closely followed the ethical concerns, environmental impact, and the global movement advocating against the use of fur in fashion. To demonstrate my proficiency, I can provide comprehensive insights into the different aspects touched upon in the article about animals abused for fashion by FOUR PAWS International.
Fur Production and Animal Cruelty:
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Fur Farming Practices: I'm well-versed in the inhumane practices prevalent in the fur industry, including the confinement of animals such as mink, raccoon dogs, and foxes in cramped wire cages. I understand how these conditions lead to severe stress, behavioral issues, and ultimately, the agonizing deaths these animals face during 'fur harvests' by methods like gassing or electrocution.
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Regulations and Welfare Standards: The lack of stringent regulations and inadequate animal welfare standards in various regions, particularly in the EU and China, is an area I'm familiar with. The Council of Europe's recommendation on fur farming and the insufficiency of directives in ensuring ethical treatment and proper conditions for fur-bearing animals are critical points I'm well-informed about.
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Trapping of Wild Animals: I comprehend the brutality involved in trapping wild animals for their fur, especially in North America, where methods like spring traps and snares cause immense suffering not just to targeted species like coyotes and foxes but also inadvertently harm other wildlife.
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Industry Changes and Advocacy Efforts: I'm actively engaged with the evolving landscape in fashion, where an increasing number of fashion chains are going fur-free. Additionally, I'm knowledgeable about the advocacy efforts calling for statutory bans on fur farming and the labeling of fur products, allowing consumers to make informed choices.
Regarding the specific concepts used in the mentioned article by FOUR PAWS International, the text delves into:
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The Cruelty of Fur Production: Highlighting the extreme cruelty inherent in obtaining fur, even the smallest fur trimmings, shedding light on the suffering of animals in fur farms.
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Lack of Welfare Standards: Discussing the insufficient regulations and welfare standards for fur-bearing animals, especially in the EU and China.
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The Case Against Fur Factory Farming: Referring to a report emphasizing the inadequacy of current regulations and welfare schemes in addressing the suffering of mink, foxes, and raccoon dogs on fur farms.
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Trapping of Wild Animals: Detailing the brutal methods used in trapping wild animals for fur, causing harm to various unintended species.
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Industry Change and Advocacy: Encouraging fashion companies to go fur-free, advocating for statutory bans on fur farming, and promoting consumer awareness through clear labeling of fur products.
This overview demonstrates the interconnectedness of various facets within the larger context of animal abuse in the fashion industry, underscoring the urgent need for ethical reform and heightened consumer consciousness.
If you're seeking further details or insights into any specific aspect of this issue, feel free to inquire!
