NI calls for clampdown on cat and dog fur

The Ulster Unionist MEP said from Strasbourg: “DNA tests have shown that some rugs, coats and figurines are made from real cat and dog fur.

“To the vast majority of people this is nauseating and barbaric but unfortunately most are unaware of what exactly they are buying.”

Animal welfare groups estimate more than two million cats and dogs are killed each year in China for their fur, which is used as trimmings on coats and in children’s toys.

Earlier today the British government said it was “sympathetic” to a ban on the import of domestic cat and dog fur if hard evidence was produced.

However Mike O’Brien, a junior trade minister, said only one sample of domestic dog fur had been discovered and none from domestic cats.

“Animal welfare groups have rightly raised serious ethical concerns about the alleged used of domestic cat and dog fur in the UK,” Mr O’Brien said.

“Our priority remains the need to establish the facts about the extent of this alleged trade, to ensure there is a valid scientific test that can identify these furs, and to act in a measured way.”

Mr Nicholson urged people in Northern Ireland not to purchase cat and dog figurines made with the fur.

“We have sent this declaration to the Commission,” the Ulster Unionist MEP said.

“Our voices are added to the tens of thousands of citizens who have demanded action and the majority of EU agriculture ministers who have asked for a ban.

“The European Commission should now listen, stop making lame excuses and bring in legislation to ban this vile trade across the EU.

“In the meantime I would urge people here to be vigilant and boycott these Chinese products.”