The farming of animals for their fur has been illegal in the United Kingdom for 20 years. Despite this legislation, animal fur products are still legally imported and traded across the nation.
Now that we have left the European Union, the Government is considering any further steps it might take in relation to the trading of animal fur.
In 2020, Humane Society International conducted research with YouGov and found that 93% of the British public do not wear fur, and 72% support a total ban on the import and sale of fur in the United Kingdom.
In May 2021, Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) opened a consultation to seek public and stakeholder views on this topic. Could the end of the fur trade be in sight for Great Britain?
The Vegan Society has responded to this consultation as an organisation. In our response, we say that “George Eustice states that we are a “nation of animal lovers”, and we have taken some steps towards actualising this statement. The Animal Sentience Bill lays down in law what we all know to be true – animals perceive and feel the world around them, can suffer and feel pain. It is a fundamental ethical belief in our society that it is wrong to cause unnecessary harm or suffering to others. Yet, the global fur industry continues in many parts of the world. Though we in Great Britain may represent a small proportion of the global fur market, we would be sending a very strong message to the rest of the world by ending imports, exports, and other trade relating to animal fur. We would be joining many other countries who are making progressive steps towards making the world kinder to animals”.
You can find our full response here. As members of the public, you are also able to submit your views, comments and experiences, and can find the link to respond here.
The deadline to comment is 11.45pm on the 28th June 2021.
