The market for dog and cat leather is even greater than the fur market, because the origin of these leather products can hardly be traced. There is no DNA test to be performed because the hairs of the fur are removed.
As a consumer you can do something!
Don't buy any leather products coming from Asia (eg China, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines and Indonesia). It is often tempting because they are very cheap. If the product is not labeled, ask the seller what country the product is originated. If the seller does not know, don't buy the product. Only if the label says the product is made of cow or calf leather, you can trust no dog or cat skin is used.
Common Dog and Cat leather products
The following products may have made from dog and cat leather:
- a leather-upholstered car
- shoes
- belts
- handbags
- wallets
- golfgloves
- gardengloves
- innersoles
- medical and orthopedic products
- chewing sticks for dogs
- drum skins