CHINESE DOG AND CAT FUR TRADE TO BE BANNED BY EU 

Conservative campaign persuades EU to ban the trade in dog and cat fur 

Brussels, 20 November 2006 -- Martin Callanan MEP today hailed the European Commission's publication of a draft directive banning the import and export of cat and dog fur in the EU, describing the news as a victory for the public. 

For seven years Conservative MEPs have been supporting Patricia Forkan, President of Humane Society International (HSI), to highlight the cruel rearing and slaughter of cats and dogs in Asia solely for their fur and skins. Their sustained campaign to bring this barbaric practice to light has resulted in Commissioner Kyprianou's announcement today.

It is estimated that more than 2 million animals are used in the trade to supply Europe and Russia. The furs and skins are made into coats, fur trim for gloves, boots and clothing.  This tremendous victory will quite literally bring an end to the inhumane conditions forced upon hundreds and thousands of cats and dogs bred for this trade in China. 

Mr Callanan said:

 "This is truly fantastic news. As a nation of cat and dog lovers, it is impossible to understand how anyone could treat these animals in such a barbaric way. I have seen a great deal of evidence to show that Chinese butchers often skin these animals alive in their hurry to cash in on this lucrative trade.

"This shows that where there is a will to effect change, coupled with strong support for a shift in the law, the Commission is prepared to listen to a well presented case. I am extremely grateful to Commissioner Kyprianou and to the support that has been shown to our campaign from celebrities on both sides of the Atlantic, including Rick Wakeman and Heather Mills-McCartney, as well as the tens of thousands of ordinary people who were horrified by what was going on in the name of trade and joined our crusade."