Campaigners gathered outside 10 Downing Street this week to present a petition with over 1.5 million signatures, urging the UK Prime Minister to ban the import and sale of fur. The petition, supported by animal rights organizations like Humane World for Animals UK, RSPCA, PETA (UK), FOUR PAWS UK, and Open Cages, reflects a growing public demand for change.
The petition delivery coincides with a legislative push in Parliament. Ruth Jones MP has introduced a bill to ban fur imports and sales, with its Second Reading set for June 13th. The bill aims to close a loophole in UK law: while fur farming has been illegal in the UK for over 20 years due to animal welfare concerns, the country still imports millions of pounds worth of fur each year.
According to data from HMRC, the UK imports between £30 and £40 million of fur annually from countries such as Finland, Poland, Greece, and China. Humane World for Animals UK estimates that this trade results in the deaths of nearly one million animals each year, often through inhumane methods such as electrocution or gassing.
The bill seeks to extend the current ban on the trade of cat, dog, and seal fur, to include other species like foxes, raccoon dogs, mink, coyotes, and chinchillas. Recent polls show strong public support for the ban, with 77% of Britons in favor of restricting fur imports.
Globally, the fur trade causes immense animal suffering, with tens of millions of animals killed annually. Fur farms are also linked to public health risks, including COVID-19 and bird flu outbreaks, which have led to the culling of millions of animals.
In addition to its animal welfare and health concerns, the fur trade has significant environmental impacts. Studies have shown that mink fur has a carbon footprint more than 30 times greater than that of cotton. Furthermore, materials like raccoon dog and fox fur are among the most environmentally damaging used in the fashion industry.
The UK was the first country to ban fur farming, inspiring 21 other European nations to follow suit. Major fashion brands such as Gucci, Valentino, Chanel, and Burberry have also gone fur-free, responding to growing consumer awareness and shifting trends.
Supporters of the #FurFreeBritain campaign see the proposed bill as an opportunity to align UK trade practices with the country’s commitment to animal welfare. Passing the bill would send a clear message that cruelty has no place in fashion, reinforcing the UK’s role as a leader in this compassionate movement.