Ivy van Oostrum - Stop Dog and Cat fur
Whilst browsing the internet in early 2008, I discovered a short film. It showed how Chinese dogs and cats were being skinned alive – only for their fur. The pictures were too horrible for words. I could not get them out of my mind: could it be true that these animals were so disgustingly mistreated? – in these days and despite all the laws? And on top of that this dog and cat fur was being imported by Western countries? And we Western consumers were not aware of this at all?
And on top of that this dog and cat fur was being imported by Western countries? And we Western consumers were not aware of this at all?
From January 1st 2009, it has been forbidden to import dog and cat fur into Europe. But, believe it or not, after gathering information from several different sources, it seemed there were few if any checks on whether the law was being upheld – because moneywise it is not interesting enough. That’s why the law is violated on such a large scale. When that was clear, I was sure of one thing: this trade had to stop and so “Stop dog and cat fur” was born.
Accessories made with dog and cat fur are simply being imported without any labelling, or are being labelled as ‘imitation fur” – and are being offered at temptingly low prices, because dog and cat fur is many times cheaper than imitation fur...
We ‘consumers’ think we are acting properly by buying imitation fur, whilst in reality we are wearing the fur of dogs and cats that have been skinned alive. Thus, in all our innocence, we support the continuation of these terrible practices...
Unfortunately it is more than just fur, dog and cat skins are also being used in leather products/ accessories such as shoes and bags. This is also something which we at “Stop dog and cat fur” fight against. That is why we ask you to help and support us in the following ways: By carefully studying articles/goods in which fur has been used. By not buying suspect articles/goods and by informing us about them on this website. By informing people around you. Are you willing to do more? Please, help us as a volunteer, a few hours a week or a month is enough.
Many Thanks!
Ivy van Oostrum
Founder of “Stop dog and cat fur”