16 Mar 2009

Animal protectors seek ban on fur imports

6:00 pm on 16 March 2009

A coalition of animal protection groups has called on the Government to ban the importation of cat and dog fur into New Zealand.

The group met in Auckland following a Humane Society investigation that revealed New Zealand could be exposed to the unregulated international trade.

The group has launched a private member's Bill to make the importation of cat and dog fur illegal.

Hans Kriek, of Saving Animals from Exploitation, says New Zealand needs to take a clear, principled stance against a trade that violates our own animal welfare laws.

Mr Kriek says banning cat and dog fur would prevent consumers from unwittingly buying products made from the fur.