The United Kingdom could be taking steps toward a fur-free future following a scathing report on retailers selling real fur as faux.
Retailers sold items including mink, fox, and rabbit fur as faux, an investigation by Humane Society International and media revealed last year. This prompted a cross-party inquiry into the fashion industry, and the final report ‘Fur Trade in the UK’ was released on the weekend.
“Reports of real fur being sold as fake fur show that retailers are flouting their responsibility to consumers,” committee chairman MP Neil Parish said, according to The Guardian. “Retailers of all sizes are complacent about the issue of fake faux fur … We are saying to government: it’s time to have a public consultation as to whether or not we should totally ban fur. Let’s see what the public say – if they want an all-out ban then it’s something we should have. Personally, I would probably leave it to consumer choice but the problem at the moment is that the consumer is not getting what they choose.”
The Guardian also noted that at least two major retailers had discovered mislabeled fur in their product lines but did not report it to authorities as required.
The report indicates that, in addition to labelling concerns, animal welfare issues are of consideration to the government as well as consumers.
This is a significant development that The Fur-Bearers – and our friends at the Fur Free Alliance – will be closely monitoring. United Kingdom residents are urged to contact their MPs and retailers to show their support for a fur-free nation.
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