IS THAT CAT FUR?

After a successful launch of the campaign to ban the importation of cat and dog fur into New Zealand, SAFE will start testing selected fur samples to determine if they come from cats or dogs.

The launch was held at the Auckland SPCA education centre and was supported by SAFE, RNZSPCA, WSPA and a wide range of smaller cat and dog protection groups. At the launch, Green MP Sue Kedgley talked about the party's proposed bill that would prohibit cat and dog fur items from being imported. The bill would bring New Zealand into line with most Western countries that have already banned the importation of cat and dog fur.

SAFE campaign director Hans Kriek spoke of the barbaric treatment of dogs and cats in China and presented video evidence of the abuse that shocked attendees. He also talked of the importance of the campaign in relation to other fur-bearing animals.

The Minister of Agriculture, David Carter, has advised the coalition that he may act if evidence can be provided that proves cat and dog fur is entering New Zealand. Consequently SAFE is now undertaking to test suspected fur items.

"SAFE has begun testing fur samples to determine their origin but unfortunately these tests are expensive," says Hans. "The more samples we are able to test the greater the chance of detecting cat or dog fur, however at $100 per item it is rather cost prohibitive."

Each year millions of cats and dogs in Asia are raised in atrocious conditions and brutally slaughtered for their fur. Undercover footage shows animals being skinned alive for their fur from which garments, toys and fur accessories are manufactured.

THE CAMPAIGN TO BAN IMPORTED CAT AND DOG FUR FROM NEW ZEALAND

SAFE is leading a wide-ranging coalition of animal protection groups in New Zealand to ban the importation of cat and dog fur into New Zealand.

"The vast majority of fur from cats and dogs comes from countries where animal welfare standards are virtually non existent," says spokesman for the coalition, SAFE campaign director Hans Kriek. "New Zealand must close its doors to cat and dog fur and take a clear, principled stance against a trade that violates our own animal welfare legislation."

At present New Zealand has no laws or restrictions that prevent cat or dog fur from being imported into New Zealand.

PRIVATE MEMBERS BILL

Green Party MP Sue Kedgley has launched a private members bill which seeks to amend the Customs and Excise Act 1996 and make it illegal to import cat and dog fur into New Zealand.

"This will bring New Zealand into line with the rest of the OECD (including the United States of America, the European Union and Australia, which have already banned these imports) and ensure that New Zealand does not become a dumping ground for this illegal trade as dealers are forced out of other countries," says Ms Kedgley.

While there are no official data about the quantity of cat and dog fur entering New Zealand Ms Kedgley says there has been a 44 per cent increase in the amount of fur imports from Asia over the past nine years.

"New Zealanders love their cats and dogs and would be appalled at the cruelty inflicted on these animals. Banning cat and dog fur would prevent consumers from unwittingly buying items made out of companion animals, and widespread community support for this initiative is expected," says Mr Kriek.

In the media

NZ Herald: Animal advocates test fur samples

NZ Herald: Cats and dogs victims of barbaric fur trade

NZ Herald: Campaign targets cat, dog fur

One News: Anti fur campaign launched

TV3 news: Bid to ban import of cat and dog fur

Scoop: Stop trade based on cruelty to cats and dogs

GROUPS IN NEW ZEALAND SUPPORTING THE CAMPAIGN:

• RNZSPCA

• WSPA

• NZ Companion

• Animal Council

• Cat’s Protection League

• C is for Cats

• Cats in Need Trust

• Cat Rescue Christchurch

• Albany Animal Doctors

• CyberPets Ltd

WHAT YOU CAN DO

1) Support the Green Party's bill that will make it illegal to import cat and dog fur into New Zealand.

2) Lobby MPs and ask them to support the private member's bill.

3) Buy products that are labeled faux or synthetic.

4) When you see fur being sold in retail shops politely ask the staff or manager what assurance can they offer that the fur is not cat or dog fur.

5) Donate towards getting fur samples DNA tested ($100 per test) to help identify if fur is of cat or dog origin.