Crackdown on illegal dog fur trade

Crackdown on illegal dog fur trade FEARS that Victorians rugging up in this season's faux fur designs could unwittingly be wearing dog fur have spurred Customs and Border Protection to increase surveillance in a crackdown on the illegal trade. ''The Asian markets are aware we are not likely to buy domestic pet fur, so it may be labelled rabbit, specify no species at all, or even labelled faux fur,'' she said. According to animals rights groups, 10 million dogs and cats are killed for their fur each year, mainly in China, Thailand, the Philippines and Korea. HSI director Verna Simpson said it was often cheaper for Asian manufacturers to use dog fur instead of synthetic or other animal fur, which they sold to unsuspecting retailers. Ms Simpson said although most major retail fashion outlets had stopped using animal fur, many smaller boutiques and designer labels continued to use it, mainly as trimming on vests, coats, scarves, gloves and hats. Crackdown on illegal dog fur trade Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 04/06/2012