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Cat and dog fur ban voted through |
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Tuesday, 19 June 2007 |
The European Parliament has today unanimously voted to support a complete ban on the import, export and trade in cat and dog fur across all 27 member states.
Scottish Tory MEP Struan Stevenson reacted triumphantly to the news.
"This truly is a brilliant decision. It’s been a long time in the
making but finally to have secured a total ban on the import, export
and trade in cat and dog fur is a real reflection of the strength of
people power.
"Millions of citizens from Scotland and across Europe have sent emails,
petitions and letters demanding this ban. But even more poignantly, the
ban is a victory for the innocent victims, the millions of cats and
dogs in China who will be saved from a horrible life and a grisly
death.
"These animals were given a powerful voice by the citizens of Europe.
Driving this trade from our doorsteps is sweet victory for cat and dog
lovers across the EU. And given that the USA and Australia already have
a similar ban in place, hopefully the EU’s landmark decision today will
signify an end to the trade for good."
Stevenson said that the ban would not have been possible without the
hard work and dogged determination of Humane Society International,
which uncovered this "horrific trade".
“Aside from the emotional attachment, this issue has seen unprecedented
support from the Council of Ministers, the European Commission and the
European Parliament. We have united to eradicate this practice. It has
been unanimously voted through and will reach the statute books of all
27 member states by the end of next year at the very latest.
"It is almost without precedent for a piece of legislation to go
through the parliamentary process so quickly and is an indication of
the huge support this initiative has had."
Labour MEP David Martin, who once worked for Advocates for Animals,
said that member states would have to put the ban into place by
December 2008.
"Labour Euro MPs were the first to call for a law to ban this cruel
trade and with the support of over one million concerned citizens
persuaded the European Commission to come forward with a draft law to
ban it. This is another case of the European Union listening to the
concerns of its citizens and taking action. Today shows how people
power can win through and change the law.
"Many European Citizens are unwittingly deceived into buying garments
made out of cat and dog fur due to mislabelling. This law will put an
end to these deceptive practices."
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 19 June 2007 )
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