This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/europe/6165786.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
EU proposes cat and dog fur ban EU proposes cat and dog fur ban
(about 2 hours later)
Steps to ban trade in cat and dog fur across the EU have been announced by the European Commission.Steps to ban trade in cat and dog fur across the EU have been announced by the European Commission.
The move follows a request for action from EU member states, and a campaign by Paul McCartney and his estranged wife, Heather Mills McCartney.The move follows a request for action from EU member states, and a campaign by Paul McCartney and his estranged wife, Heather Mills McCartney.
It is estimated that two million cats and dogs are being killed in China by fur traders each year.It is estimated that two million cats and dogs are being killed in China by fur traders each year.
Fifteen EU states have already taken some action on cat and dog fur, but it is still legal in the other 10.Fifteen EU states have already taken some action on cat and dog fur, but it is still legal in the other 10.
CAT AND DOG FUR TRADE Campaigners claim 2 million cats and dogs slaughtered every yearMain exporter: China12 to 15 adult dogs needed to make a dog fur coatUp to 24 cats needed for cat fur coatCat and dog fur also used in hats, gloves, shoes, blankets, stuffed animals and toysDog fur sometimes labelled as: Gae-wolf, sobaki, Asian jackal, goupee, loup d'Asie, Corsac fox, dogues du Chine, or simply fake or exotic furCat fur sometimes labelled as: house cat, wild cat, katzenfelle, rabbit, goyangi, mountain cat "The message that we have received from EU consumers has been loud and clear. They do not find it acceptable to farm cats and dogs for their fur, nor do they want products containing such fur sold on the European market," said Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Markos Kyprianou.CAT AND DOG FUR TRADE Campaigners claim 2 million cats and dogs slaughtered every yearMain exporter: China12 to 15 adult dogs needed to make a dog fur coatUp to 24 cats needed for cat fur coatCat and dog fur also used in hats, gloves, shoes, blankets, stuffed animals and toysDog fur sometimes labelled as: Gae-wolf, sobaki, Asian jackal, goupee, loup d'Asie, Corsac fox, dogues du Chine, or simply fake or exotic furCat fur sometimes labelled as: house cat, wild cat, katzenfelle, rabbit, goyangi, mountain cat "The message that we have received from EU consumers has been loud and clear. They do not find it acceptable to farm cats and dogs for their fur, nor do they want products containing such fur sold on the European market," said Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Markos Kyprianou.
The Commission says that different countries have taken different approaches to banning cat and dog fur, such as bans on rearing cats and dogs for fur, trade or import bans, and compulsory labelling.The Commission says that different countries have taken different approaches to banning cat and dog fur, such as bans on rearing cats and dogs for fur, trade or import bans, and compulsory labelling.
It says the different legal requirements in each country could fragment the internal market for fur, so a co-ordinated approach is necessary.It says the different legal requirements in each country could fragment the internal market for fur, so a co-ordinated approach is necessary.
The Commission's plan aims to:
  • Block cat and dog fur imports at the border
  • Introduce penalties for traders
  • Encourage sharing of information on how to detect cat and dog fur.
The Commission's plan aims to:
  • Block cat and dog fur imports at the border
  • Introduce penalties for traders
  • Encourage sharing of information on how to detect cat and dog fur.
The Commission says there is no evidence that cats and dogs are being bred for their fur inside the EU.The Commission says there is no evidence that cats and dogs are being bred for their fur inside the EU.
It says the obligation on member states to carry out checks and test for the fur will also provide a clearer picture of what products it is being used in, and where it comes from.It says the obligation on member states to carry out checks and test for the fur will also provide a clearer picture of what products it is being used in, and where it comes from.
As cat and dog fur can be hard to detect when it is dyed, some states are already using hi-tech systems - mass spectrometry or DNA testing - to identify it.As cat and dog fur can be hard to detect when it is dyed, some states are already using hi-tech systems - mass spectrometry or DNA testing - to identify it.
A 2005 study by the Dutch Ministry for Agriculture found dog fur in a range of children's toys. A study commissioned by Dutch animal protection organisation Bont voor Dieren (Fur for Animals) in 2002 found canine DNA in five out of 93 fur items studied.
These items included toys and an article of clothing.