Green Party asks MPs not to tolerate importation of dog and cat fur

OTTAWA -- Unlike our American neighbours and the European Union, the Canadian government refuses to officially ban the importation of dog and cat fur. Each year, millions of dogs and cats are brutally killed and skinned in China, among other countries, for the clothing and toy industry. Worse, the Canadian government has found a way to sneak in these products by implementing a no labelling requirement policy on textile trading over its territory.

Every time the issue has been put forward by concerned citizens the ball is constantly thrown around ministries to avoid responsibility. “I am aware when it comes to animals, the only question asked is if its population and species are healthy, but our MPs should also use some ethical reasoning when undertaking trade agreements. I invite them to watch the conditions of dogs or cats on fur farms and then explain what difference they see between these beings and ours pets,” said Sameer Muldeen, Green Party Animal Issues Critic.

In 2000, the US first took the initiative, followed by Europe in 2008, to legislate the elimination of dog and cat fur products or sales. “Our government is reticent to act similarly in an attempt to avoid any debate of our legislation about animal well-being. The unnecessary and costly seal hunt, for example, is a case where there is a hovering fear to create a precedent on animal ethics.  Since 1892, no significant legal changes have been made by our past and present leaders about animal abuse and protection. It is about time,” said Muldeen.

“Because there are no labels required, Canadians could be buying items like toys or clothes with fur on them, not realizing that the fur could be from a cat or dog that has been living in horrific conditions in China.  Even if we can’t yet agree on the seal hunt issue, surely we can agree that cats and dogs, whom many of us count as friends, shouldn’t be used in this manner,” said Green Party Leader Elizabeth May.  “Just imagine how you would feel discovering your dog toy is made with dog fur. Let your MP know that this is not acceptable.”

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Contact Information:
Debra Eindiguer
Press Secretary
Green Party of Canada
media@greenparty.ca
c: 613.240.8921