toxic fur toys!
Fur your kids' sake don't buy into animal cruelty
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Christmas shoppers in Ulster could be putting their kids' lives at risk by buying toys made from real dog and cat fur.
...
whole article here
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Christmas shoppers in Ulster could be putting their kids' lives at risk by buying toys made from real dog and cat fur.
For experts have confirmed the cuddly novelties contain a highly toxic chemical substance that can cause kidney and liver damage - or even cancer.
The toys, produced in the Far East, are set to flood shops and market stalls across the province within days.
Amazingly, the heartless trade in cat and dog fur is NOT yet illegal.
Heather Mills McCartney, estranged wife of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, has led a high-profile campaign for a European-wide ban in the cruel trade.
And the European Parliament has backed a ban on cat and dog fur imports, in a move to curb the slaughter of millions of cats and dogs in China. But the ban, agreed by EU member states, will not come into effect until December 2008.
And MEPs say shoppers buy goods made with the fur unknowingly, because exporters attach false labels.
It is used in coats, linings for boots and gloves, stuffed toys, and even homeopathic aids for arthritis.
We can further reveal that tests on a number of the stocking filler toys have shown some contain SIX TIMES the recommended amount of chromium.
The results, confirmed by a UK animal welfare organisation, showed chromium levels were significantly in excess of the European Union's minimal level of 60 mg/kg.
In one case a cat figurine in a basket contained 360 mg/kg and a dog without a basket contained 190.
Toxic chromium - used in the tanning process in Asia - was also found in a toy mouse.
A spokeswoman for Trading Standards in Belfast said the sale of real dog and cat fur toys did not come under its remit, which relates primarily to the Trades Description Act.
A spokesman for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said legislation had been introduced in 2002 banning the keeping of animals solely for slaughter for the value of their fur.
But he admitted: "DARD has no powers with respect to the selling of animal fur."
And that prompted Downpatrick environmentalist Walter Graham to urge shoppers not to buy any fur-based toys for children this Christmas.
He said many retailers had no idea the figurines contained real cat and dog fur, but stressed: "I'm astounded that this trade is not only allowed to continue but appears to be flourishing.
"In the first instance, no child wants to think their pets could end up as toys.
"But the fact that these toys are coated in chromium is incredible given it is such a toxic chemical and exposure could cause children irreparable harm."
x-posted to militantvegans
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Christmas shoppers in Ulster could be putting their kids' lives at risk by buying toys made from real dog and cat fur.
...
whole article here
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Christmas shoppers in Ulster could be putting their kids' lives at risk by buying toys made from real dog and cat fur.
For experts have confirmed the cuddly novelties contain a highly toxic chemical substance that can cause kidney and liver damage - or even cancer.
The toys, produced in the Far East, are set to flood shops and market stalls across the province within days.
Amazingly, the heartless trade in cat and dog fur is NOT yet illegal.
Heather Mills McCartney, estranged wife of former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, has led a high-profile campaign for a European-wide ban in the cruel trade.
And the European Parliament has backed a ban on cat and dog fur imports, in a move to curb the slaughter of millions of cats and dogs in China. But the ban, agreed by EU member states, will not come into effect until December 2008.
And MEPs say shoppers buy goods made with the fur unknowingly, because exporters attach false labels.
It is used in coats, linings for boots and gloves, stuffed toys, and even homeopathic aids for arthritis.
We can further reveal that tests on a number of the stocking filler toys have shown some contain SIX TIMES the recommended amount of chromium.
The results, confirmed by a UK animal welfare organisation, showed chromium levels were significantly in excess of the European Union's minimal level of 60 mg/kg.
In one case a cat figurine in a basket contained 360 mg/kg and a dog without a basket contained 190.
Toxic chromium - used in the tanning process in Asia - was also found in a toy mouse.
A spokeswoman for Trading Standards in Belfast said the sale of real dog and cat fur toys did not come under its remit, which relates primarily to the Trades Description Act.
A spokesman for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said legislation had been introduced in 2002 banning the keeping of animals solely for slaughter for the value of their fur.
But he admitted: "DARD has no powers with respect to the selling of animal fur."
And that prompted Downpatrick environmentalist Walter Graham to urge shoppers not to buy any fur-based toys for children this Christmas.
He said many retailers had no idea the figurines contained real cat and dog fur, but stressed: "I'm astounded that this trade is not only allowed to continue but appears to be flourishing.
"In the first instance, no child wants to think their pets could end up as toys.
"But the fact that these toys are coated in chromium is incredible given it is such a toxic chemical and exposure could cause children irreparable harm."
x-posted to militantvegans