IFAW and Eurogroup applaud European Commission’s strong stand on protecting cats and dogs

Brussels 20th November 2006 - Today, Commissioner Kyprianou unveiled plans to end the production, marketing and trade of cat and dog fur throughout the European Union. At a press conference, he told journalists that the proposed ban would apply equally to EU traders and operators as well as those of third countries. The proposal is designed to address the concern of the EU citizens and to consolidate what several national governments have already prohibited for years. Commissioner Kyprianou stressed that European consumers were mislead and that there was “evidence that cat and dog fur is being put on the European market either disguised as synthetic fur, or other types of fur, or in an undeclared way.”

After a public outcry, both the European Parliament (in its successful Written Declaration) and the Council of Ministers have officially asked the Commission to draft an EU-wide ban which would be more effective than national bans.

Two million cats and dogs are killed in Asia each year, especially in China, for their fur which is imported into Europe under false labels. The animals are raised under cruel conditions and then skinned alive, strangled or stabbed solely for their furs and skins. The pelts are e.g. worked into clothing, toys and blankets.

Lesley O’Donnell, Director of the IFAW EU Office, - also on behalf of Eurogroup for Animals - said: “We commend Commissioner Kyprianou for his determination to end this abhorrent trade in cat and dog fur products in the EU. IFAW supporters throughout Europe have expressed their horror that furs from the cruel slaughter of cats and dogs in Asia were being sold in Europe.”

That proposal, presented by EU Health and Consumer Protection Commissioner Markos Kyprianou, will now be discussed by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers within the so-called co-decision procedure.