The Cruel Reality of Fur Production

Each year over 50 million animals--including many dogs, cats, and threatened and endangered species--are killed by the fur trade worldwide. Although the fur industry does its best to keep the cruelty out of sight, suffering is a common ingredient in all methods of procuring fur, from fur factory farming to trapping. And many--possibly more than half--of all of these animals are killed specifically for fur trim. It is not a by-product, as some believe.

Dogs, Cats, and Trapping

Many dogs and cats fall victim to fur traps set for wild animals. In the United States--the world's leading supplier of fur from trapped animals--countless dogs and cats are injured and killed each year in indiscriminate steel-jawed leghold traps, body-crushing "Conibear"-style traps, and snares. When they do not kill the animal, traps inflict injuries that range from cuts and broken teeth, to toe and limb loss. Some animals chew or twist their limbs off to escape. Amputation of limbs after being rescued is not uncommon in companion animals.

The exact number of American dogs and cats injured or killed in traps is unknown because most incidents likely go unreported. But dogs are caught often enough that in 2004 a large trapping association advertised an insurance policy for its members, offering as much as $300,000 in protection from dog owners who sue after their animals are injured in traps.

People who buy fur garments from trapped animals--mink, raccoon, fox, coyote and others--contribute to the demand for pelts that sends trappers into the woods with dangerous, cruel devices that put wildlife and pets at risk.

Fur Factory Farming and the Chinese Cruelty Connection

Several million animals--mainly mink, foxes, and chinchillas--are raised in tiny, barren cages in the United States each year, then killed by gassing, anal electrocution, neck-breaking, or poison injection. Many of the natural instincts and behaviors of the animals are frustrated or prevented. Semi-aquatic mink are denied all access to swimming water, and foxes--natural diggers--are prevented from ever setting a foot on the ground. In these stifling conditions, many animals exhibit neurotic spinning, weaving, and pacing behavior. These conditions should come as little surprise, as the industry is essentially self-regulated--there are no federal laws setting even the minimalist of standards for humane care or killing. Fortunately, some people are speaking out against the conditions and mindset of this industry. England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Austria have all banned fur farming.

As bad as it is in the United States, all reports indicate that China--quickly emerging as the largest producer of caged animals for their pelts, if it isn't already--is even worse. China reportedly has no laws dealing with animal welfare, and investigators from multiple groups, including the HSUS and the Beijing News documented unimaginable cruelty, including animals being skinned alive. With China producing so much of the world's fur, the possibility of a U.S. consumer buying a jacket trimmed with a raccoon dog or fox who was skinned alive is all too real.

Newborn and Fetal Lambs

Karakul, broadtail, astrakhan, Swakara and Persian lamb are all names under which the fur of newborn and fetal karakul lambs could be sold. The newborn lambs are killed within days of being born, before their tightly wound fur begins to unravel. The fetal lamb fur can be identified by its much flatter crushed-velvet like texture, and a pattern resembling moiré or watered silk. While some fur industry sources claim that the fetuses are only from natural occurrences like stillbirths, an investigation by the HSUS established proof that to obtain fetal lamb fur, the pregnant ewe is killed as well.