12 April 2007 - Green Party MEP Caroline Lucas has today welcomed a vote by the European Parliament’s Internal Market Committee calling for an EU-wide ban on the trade in cat and dog fur.

Dr Lucas, the Green’s spokesperson on the issue, said she hoped the vote would enter into force as quickly as possible, and that it should be extended to other animal products where different EU states have different rules – notably seal products.

Speaking after the vote, she said:

" An EU ban on the trade in cat and dog fur would be a vital step towards ending the cruel and brutal way in which these animals are slaughtered for their fur.

“Hopefully the proposals will be swiftly adopted by the EP in plenary and the Council, so the ban can enter into force as soon as possible.

"Banning the trade in cat and dog fur will set an important precedent for banning the trade in products from other animals on animal welfare grounds - notably seal products.

“The ban on cat and dog fur is being proposed under EU internal market rules, with a view to harmonising the different existing national legislation in the area. This logic must surely now be applied to other animal products where legitimate concerns exist."

ENDS