What’s behind fashion? European fur trade marketed as responsible business.

The European fur industry, and especially the Nordic fur industry, markets itself as a responsible business concerned about ethics. A new report reveals that fur farms producing Saga fur, the main Nordic fur auction house and brand, share the considerable animal welfare problems inherent in fur production, that have led to bans on ethical and welfare grounds in several countries.

The report Animal welfare and the European fur trade will be launched on 15 October in the European Parliament in room ASP 04F384. The event is organised by the Fur Free Alliance and Eurogroup for Animals and will be hosted by Finnish Member of Parliament Heidi Hautala. 

Read the report here.

In both official inspections and investigations done by animal interest groups and the media serious welfare problems have come to light on fur farms in Saga countries. These farms with welfare problems have included certified farms and farms belonging to key figures in the Finnish and Norwegian fur industries. Saga Furs has played a significant role in the worldwide increase in fur farming and fur consumption and has particularly been very active in countries such as China that have limited animal welfare legislation. Saga’s work can be regarded as a marketing campaign combating increasing ethical awareness and stimulating the demand for fur globally.

The program for the event:

13.00
Opening remarks by MEP Janusz Wojciechowski (ECR), Poland, President of the European Parliament’s Intergroup on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals

13.05  
Welcome remarks by Reineke Hameleers, Director Eurogroup for Animals and Joh Vinding, Chair Fur Free Alliance

13.10  
Presentation of the report by the co-authors Salla Tuomivaara, Director Animalia, and Siri Martinsen, veterinarian, Director NOAH

13.35    
Comments by MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP), Finland

13.40    
Comments by MEP Jeppe Kofod (S&D), Denmark

13.45    
Documentation from fur farms, Jo-Anne McArthur, photographer

13.55    
Concluding remarks Reineke Hameleers, Director Eurogroup for Animals, and Joh Vinding, Chair Fur Free Alliance