20 November 2006

Barrett welcomes cat and dog fur ban breakthrough

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today gave his full backing to European Commission plans to ban the import, export and sale of cat and dog fur in the EU.

At a press conference today in Brussels, the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, Markos Kyprianou, announced details of a proposal which will mean the end of imports of dog and cat fur into all 25 EU member states.

Mr Barrett has today written to Mr Kyprianou supporting the proposal and calling on the UK Government to throw its weight behind the plans.

The Edinburgh West MP along with the Scottish SPCA has been campaigning for a ban on the import of cat and dog fur products since 2003.

John Barrett MP, Honorary Vice President of the Scottish SPCA, said:

“This is fantastic news. After a long campaign, it looks like we may finally be close to banning this inhumane trade.

“I have lost count of the number of my constituents who have contacted me supporting the campaign for a total ban. The challenge now is to make sure the UK Government gives its full backing to today’s proposals.”