by GLOBAL ACTION NETWORK
STRAIGHT FROM A PRESS RELEASE:
Washington, D.C., December 8, 2010 – Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Democrat, announced that the “Truth in Fur Labeling Act,” legislation which would crack down on the illegal dog and cat fur trade has passed the Senate and is on its way to the President’s desk for his signature. The bill, authored by Moran, passed the House unanimously in July and had been awaiting Senate action which occurred late yesterday.
Supported by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the “Truth in Fur Labeling Act” would close a loophole in current law which allows products valued at less than $150 to not have to list the types of fur included in garments sold in the U.S.
“This loophole has been exploited by exporters pawning off dog and cat fur as an artificial fiber,” said Moran. “Many Americans choose not to purchase fur products, preferring instead “faux” fur as a substitute. The public would be outraged to learn their favorite hat or pair of gloves was lined with the fur of their favorite companion animal.”
Half of all fur garments entering the United States come from China, where large numbers of domestic dogs and cats as well as raccoon dogs are killed every year for their fur by brutal methods, sometimes skinned alive. The Dog and Cat Protection Act of 2000 banned the trade in dog and cat fur after an HSUS investigation revealed the death toll at 2 million animals a year and found domestic dog fur for sale in the United States. READ FULL ARTICLE
More and more retailers and designers are rejecting animal cruelty and potential consumer deception by adopting fur-free policies. Listed here are those who've announced that they don't sell animal fur or are phasing in a fur-free policy.
AAbercrombie & Fitch
ActivewearUSA.com
Adolfo Dominguez
aerie (American Eagle Outfitters)
aerie f.i.t. (American Eagle Outfitters)
Aéropostale
Alber Nipon (Jones Apparel Group)
Alloy (Delia's, Inc.)
Amanda Pearl
AK Anne Klein (Jones Apparel Group)
American Apparel
American Eagle Outfitters
Analog Outerwear (Burton Snowboards)
Angelrox
Ann Taylor
Anne Klein New York (Jones Apparel Group)
Anthropologie
Apple Bottoms by Nelly
Ashley Paige
Ashley Watson
Athleta (The Gap, Inc.)
Axcess (Liz Claiborne, Inc.)
Axis (Perry Ellis International, Inc.)
Axist (Perry Ellis International, Inc.)
GO TO HUMANSOCIETY.ORG FOR A COMPLETE A-Z LIST OF GOOD COMPANIES

STRAIGHT FROM GLOBAL ACTION NETWORK:
Do not buy fur or clothing lined or decorated with fur.
Fur from dogs and cats is generally not used to make full-length fur coats, but rather to line the inside of parkas, gloves, hats, handbags and other accessories. Approximately 20% of all animal figurines covered in fur are fabricated using dog and cat fur.
Whether captured in traps which cause immeasurable damage and pain, or raised on farms under brutal conditions where they are deprived of their natural habitat, animals suffer enormously at the hands of the international fur industry. Out of the 40 million animals that are killed for fur every year around the world, about 85% are minks, fox, raccoons and other animals that spend their entire lives confined in small cages before being killed.
With so many high-quality alternatives to fur, compassionate consumers can spare animals, including dogs and cats by choosing soft acrylics, brushed cotton and faux fur. READ MORE