GOODS CONTAINING cat and dog fur have been banned under an EU directive which has come into force this month, writes Caitlin McBride.
The European Commission introduced the ban after MEPs reported that goods containing such fur were being disguised as synthetic, or using another type of fur.
The fur was said to be common in products such as coats, lining for boots and stuffed toys.
"I am delighted that this long-awaited measure is now in force, so that European consumers can be confident that they will no longer be at risk of inadvertently purchasing products containing cat and dog fur," said European health commissioner Androulla Vassilou.
The practice has not affected the fur trade in Ireland, according to traders.
"Cat and dog fur is not used in the trade at all and I've been in business for 35 years. That's all propaganda," said Caroline Barnardo, owner of Barnardo Furriers in Dublin.