A call
for evidence to hear from both industry and the public to
help inform future government policy on the fur trade in Great
Britain has been launched today (31 May).
Now the UK’s future relationship with the EU has been
established, we have a unique opportunity to look at what more
can be done to strengthen our world leading standards of animal
welfare.
The call for evidence has been launched jointly alongside
the Scottish and Welsh governments and will ask for views
surrounding animal welfare as well as the social and economic
impacts associated with the trade, both on our shores and
overseas.
Environment Secretary said:
“We already have some of the highest animal welfare
standards in the world and as an independent nation we are now
able to re-examine some of our animal welfare laws, including the
import of fur for use in fashion products.
“The views, data and case studies we receive will be vital
to helping us inform future government policy in this area
including by better understanding the trade both at home and
abroad.”
The call for evidence concerns the commercial trade in fur
only and does not focus on non-commercial, private activity such
as transactions and exchanges between private individuals and
would also help the Government understand the case for any
potential exemptions relating to future policies in this
area.
Fur farming has been banned in England and Wales since 2000
and since 2002 in Scotland. Strict rules are already in place for
certain skin and fur products, including from commercial seal
hunts and domestic cats and dogs, prohibiting them from being
imported into the UK.
The Call for Evidence is part of a series of plans as
outlined in the Government’s Action Plan for Animal
Welfare, which builds on our existing world
leading standards by recognising animals as
sentient in law and committing to a range of new
game changing welfare measures to protect pets, livestock and
wild animals.
To respond to the call
for evidence, please click here
