About the Fur Industry
Because no animal deserves to die for fashion
Warning - contains topics that some may find upsetting.
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Despite being hunted until virtual extinction in the wild, sadly chinchillas kept in captivity today are still killed in their many thousands to make fashion items. To put it into context, just one fur coat alone claims the lives of over 200 chinchillas. With many other animals including minks, rabbits and foxes also being bred and killed for their fur, unfortunately this form of animal abuse exists on a mass scale. It is estimated that in just one year alone, over one billion animals are slaughtered for their fur. Unfortunately money talks, and with the global fur industry valued at over $40 billion dollars, wealth rules over morals in this industry.
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This chinchilla is so trusting of people, with no concept that some would like to kill him for his fur
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However this doesn't have to be the case, over history there have been many forms of injustice and abuse against both people and animals, that were all once considered "normal" but have since been outlawed. With enough support and pressure from the public, we can help end this form of animal cruelty for good!
What is the law on fur farming?
In the UK, the Fur Farming Prohibition Act 2000 makes it illegal to keep and kill animals for their fur. Whilst this is great, it unfortunately is still legal to import chinchilla fur, and many other animals', from abroad. This means the UK is still profiting from the industry they outlawed almost 2 decades ago for being unethical, but just aren't directly involved in the killing.
Sadly in the US, breeding chinchillas to be killed for their fur is still legal. This is unfortunately also the case for various other European countries, along with China, which has been heavily criticised for its human rights record let alone their treatment of animals.
Most of the fur you see available in the UK originates from these 3 sources.
Most of the fur you see available in the UK originates from these 3 sources.
Are young, healthy chinchillas killed for their fur?
Yes, the majority of chinchillas slaughtered for their fur are young and healthy, and would otherwise live long and happy lives if there was not a demand for fashion items.
Only a very small minority have died from natural causes. Illness and older age causing deterioration of fur quality, damage to the coat and not enough suitable chinchillas dying from natural causes mean there are not enough natural casualties to meet the demands for fur.
Only a very small minority have died from natural causes. Illness and older age causing deterioration of fur quality, damage to the coat and not enough suitable chinchillas dying from natural causes mean there are not enough natural casualties to meet the demands for fur.
How are the chinchillas killed?
The primary concern is that the chinchilla is killed without any damage to the fur and as cheaply as possible to maximise profits. One common way of killing chinchillas in this situation is cervical dislocation, where the chinchilla has their neck broken. Other methods can include electrocution or gassing to death.
Do pet breeders ever kill their chinchillas for fur?
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Unfortunately in countries where this is legal, this is far more common than you may think. Whilst there are many ethical breeders who do truly care about the welfare of their chinchillas and would never dream of this, unfortunately there are others who put on a public image of caring for the animals but will either sell their chinchillas as pets or pelt them for fur, depending on what brings in the most money at the time. Some of these breeders will also routinely kill their chinchillas if their breeding herd has become too large, they can't find homes for them in enough time, or if breeding for certain colours or characteristics are no longer something they're focusing on.
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If you buy a chinchilla from a breeder you want to be certain that they do not also kill their chinchillas for their fur. Not all breeders will be honest, as understandably this can make them unpopular with pet owners. However it is certainly worth asking the question, as some will be truthful with you.
Sadly due to the unpleasant nature of the fur industry, it is quite covert and can be difficult to find other ways of checking if a breeder is pelting for fur, other than asking them directly. However google searching their personal name, breeder name or ranch name along with terms such as chinchilla pelts, chinchilla fur etc may bring up relevant results if this is something they have been associated with online. You can also join Facebook groups that are pro fur, such as AAB - Chinchilla Pelting and Processing, to see if the breeder is on there, or ask other breeders if that person kills for fur.
You can contact the pro fur organisation in your country and see if they'll tell you whether the breeder you're considering pelts their chinchillas. When contacting pro fur organisations, you may need an alternative excuse for your enquiry regarding fur. Unfortunately pro fur supporters may be unwilling to help if they know you’re against animal cruelty. Should you be in any doubt at all, please find another breeder who you can be totally sure doesn't pelt their chinchillas.
Sadly due to the unpleasant nature of the fur industry, it is quite covert and can be difficult to find other ways of checking if a breeder is pelting for fur, other than asking them directly. However google searching their personal name, breeder name or ranch name along with terms such as chinchilla pelts, chinchilla fur etc may bring up relevant results if this is something they have been associated with online. You can also join Facebook groups that are pro fur, such as AAB - Chinchilla Pelting and Processing, to see if the breeder is on there, or ask other breeders if that person kills for fur.
You can contact the pro fur organisation in your country and see if they'll tell you whether the breeder you're considering pelts their chinchillas. When contacting pro fur organisations, you may need an alternative excuse for your enquiry regarding fur. Unfortunately pro fur supporters may be unwilling to help if they know you’re against animal cruelty. Should you be in any doubt at all, please find another breeder who you can be totally sure doesn't pelt their chinchillas.
What can I do to help?
With enough pressure and public support, we can help make the cruel fur industry a thing of the past. A ban on any animal killed for their fur, feathers or skin, along with the sale of such items, is the only way to stop this barbaric trade. This is absolutely achievable and with enough protesting can be done.
Small steps have already been taken, such as the UK banning fur farms and recently debating banning all fur imports in parliament after public outrage. Did you know it's now illegal to test on animals for cosmetic purposes in any EU country and also to sell any cosmetic product there that's been tested on animals outside the EU? This is just another example of animal cruelty that was once once considered the norm, but has since been outlawed due to enough public pressure.
To show your support for animal welfare and help end the fur industry please:
Small steps have already been taken, such as the UK banning fur farms and recently debating banning all fur imports in parliament after public outrage. Did you know it's now illegal to test on animals for cosmetic purposes in any EU country and also to sell any cosmetic product there that's been tested on animals outside the EU? This is just another example of animal cruelty that was once once considered the norm, but has since been outlawed due to enough public pressure.
To show your support for animal welfare and help end the fur industry please:
Sign the Petitions
Sign the Humane Society’s petition to ban in the UK the sale of animal killed for their fur here. If you live in another country you should be able to find your relevant petition by a quick google search.
Sign the Humane Society’s petition to ban in the UK the sale of animal killed for their fur here. If you live in another country you should be able to find your relevant petition by a quick google search.
Boycott Brands and Celebrities that use Fur
Contact fashion brands that use real fur, explaining your disapproval at their open support for animal cruelty. Boycott celebrities who wear fur, some regular offenders include Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and even the Queen of England. Social media is a good way to make your views public and gain support from others, #FurFreeBritain is just one hashtag being used to support the fur ban in the UK.
Whilst celebrities and big brands may seem invincible, they do rely on being popular and their reputation. If we can uncover the unethical practices they're involved in, it will help make more and more people aware of their actions and start to hold them accountable. Many designers and fashion brands such as Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, Gucci, Michael Kors and ASOS have already pledged to go fur free, so there are plenty of retailers to buy from without supporting animal cruelty.
Contact fashion brands that use real fur, explaining your disapproval at their open support for animal cruelty. Boycott celebrities who wear fur, some regular offenders include Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and even the Queen of England. Social media is a good way to make your views public and gain support from others, #FurFreeBritain is just one hashtag being used to support the fur ban in the UK.
Whilst celebrities and big brands may seem invincible, they do rely on being popular and their reputation. If we can uncover the unethical practices they're involved in, it will help make more and more people aware of their actions and start to hold them accountable. Many designers and fashion brands such as Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, Gucci, Michael Kors and ASOS have already pledged to go fur free, so there are plenty of retailers to buy from without supporting animal cruelty.
Never Buy from Breeders who also Kill for Fur
As mentioned above, before buying a chinchilla or supplies from a breeder do some checks to make sure they're not also involved in killing chinchillas for their pelts.
As mentioned above, before buying a chinchilla or supplies from a breeder do some checks to make sure they're not also involved in killing chinchillas for their pelts.
Help Educate Others who may be Misinformed about Fur
Education is key and there will be many people who believe there is nothing wrong with fur, simply because they've been misinformed of the truth. Some may not realise animals have to be killed for their fur, others may have been told it is just the same as leather, not realising this is a byproduct of the meat industry whereas fur is not. Take a look at the top Myths of the Fur Industry to give you an idea of some of the main myths used to justify the abuse.
Education is key and there will be many people who believe there is nothing wrong with fur, simply because they've been misinformed of the truth. Some may not realise animals have to be killed for their fur, others may have been told it is just the same as leather, not realising this is a byproduct of the meat industry whereas fur is not. Take a look at the top Myths of the Fur Industry to give you an idea of some of the main myths used to justify the abuse.
Been spun a different story about the Fur Industry in the past and now not sure what to believe?
Check out the top Myths of the Fur Industry to hear the common misconceptions you might have been told and uncover the real truth behind them.
Vector Graphics with thanks to Freepik