MEPS DEBATE CAT AND DOG FUR IMPORT BAN

4.53.48pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 18th Jun 2007

West Midlands Euro-MP Liz Lynne has welcomed a debate later today in the European Parliament on whether to introduce legislation on a total ban on cat and dog fur imports into the European Union.

Speaking today from Strasbourg, Liz, who has campaigned for many years for such a ban, said:

"Often consumers are not told what they are buying and such fur can be labelled as fake or rabbit fur. Cat and dog fur products have turned up across Europe in toys, ornaments, homoeopathic medicines and of course clothing and accessories."

"This unacceptable trade must be halted and a Europe-wide ban will add weight to bans already in force in several member-states and the United States."

Liz expects to speak in the debate this evening and will speak out in favour of a total ban on such fur imports.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The subject is being debated after more than half the Parliament's members signed a Written Declaration, effectively a petition forcing a debate on a given issue. The Declaration cites 'strong evidence that over two million cats and dogs are killed each year solely for their skins'.

Recent investigations have shown that animals sold for this purpose in southern China are bred and transported in appalling conditions causing illness, insanity and death. Even if they survive transportation they are beaten to death, drowned or skinned alive.