Base Fur Farming Decisions on Animal Welfare Parameters, Not Emotion : British Fur Trade Association

LONDON: Labour MP Maria Eagle's Private Member's Bill to ban fur farming is today at Report Stage in the House of Commons.

The British Fur Trade Association (BFTA) said yesterday: "We are categorically opposed to the Bill. In a democracy any political decision on fur farming or animal farming in general should be based on internationally agreed scientific animal welfare parameters, not on emotion.

"The only outcome of a ban will be to sideline the UK in the future debate on improving animal welfare standards in the remaining 8,000 fur farms throughout Europe.

But the BFTA remains firmly opposed to the Bill and intends "to continue its fight in the knowledge that Europe's 8,000 other farmers are also opposed, because fur farming is an established sector of livestock farming recognised by national and EU law and regulations.

"The Report Stage of the Bill will give MPs the opportunity to consider the true facts of good fur farm animal welfare, the BFTA added. Parliamentarians should see this Bill for what it really is a potentially bad piece of legislation that will do nothing for the welfare of fur farmed animals, which is what the Bill's promoters allegedly are interested in.

The BFTA is as one with the Fur Breeders Association (FBA), which in a statement yesterday said its eleven members were opposed to the principle of the Bill,. It agrees that the correct approach to farmed animals, including mink, is to regulate it to meet animal welfare objectives, based on sound scientific advice. Making a sector of farming the subject of a criminal offence is unprecedented and draconian.

The Fur Breeders Association called on the Government to give to the House of Commons a "clear and unequivocal pledge" for a fair and just level of compensation if a ban is implemented. The well documented incidents of harassment, intimidation and violence by animal rights activists have undoubtedly influenced the personal position of farmers. This helps to explain why fur farmers may be prepared to consider compensation, rather than to continue to oppose the Bill and fight for their livelihoods.

See also:

UK's Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill "Fundamentally Wrong" European Fur Breeders' Association press statement, May 14, 1999.

Top Market Research Firm Orders Retraction of Misleading Fur Claims British Fur Council press release, Mar. 31, 1999.

Why We Say Maria Eagle's Private Member's Bill on Fur Farming Is "Ill-Considered and Emotive" British Fur Council press release, Mar. 31, 1999.

Battle of Britain : Can Farmers Count on Democracy? FCUSA press release, Mar. 6, 1999.

Notes to editors:

The BFTA is a trade association with members at all stages of the supply chain including fur farmers, traders, merchants, commission agents and retailers. The BFTA is a member of the International Fur Trade Federation and must consider the international implications of the proposed fur farm ban. London is the world centre for fur traders and trade customers with BFTA members responsible for 60% of the world trade in fur at primary or wholesale level. The BFTA represents members, views and interests to Westminster and Whitehall and to other national and international administrations.

For more information contact: Jan Brown, The British Fur Council, Brookstone House, 6 Elthorne Road, London N19 4AG; info@britishfurcouncil.com. Tel: 0171 281 2487. Mobile 0403 523011. Fax: 0171 281 1374.

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