CONSUMER SUPPORT FOR FUR
In the last 5 years fur as re-established its position in the fashion world with in excess of 200 leading international fashion designers working with fur in their collections. Fur is not confined to exclusive or expensive clothing or to full fur garments, it is also used for trim and accessories. This popularity of fur among designers and consumers has been greatly helped by product development e.g. the production of lighter furs, sheared furs, knitted furs. There has also been a dramatic increase in so-called “combination” garments in recent years.
Consumer support for fur and fur farming has also been revealed in independent surveys and polls. In the Netherlands a recent consumer survey revealed that 71% of the population agreed with the statement “it makes in principle no difference for what reason you keep animals as long as you take care of their welfare”. The latest poll (results released in November 2000) shows that 67% of the Dutch population are of the opinion that people should have a free choice to wear fur.
In Ireland an opinion poll carried out in September 2003 by TNS, MRBI, 85% of
respondents agreed that provided welfare standards were good it is acceptable to
keep animals on farms for any purpose
In the UK a February 2000 poll revealed that 81% of people believe that it is acceptable to farm animals for any purpose, provided there is good animal welfare. 62% of people interviewed consider that it is environmentally sound to use natural fibres such as wool, silk, fur and leather.
A public opinion poll undertaken in Finland in 1998 revealed that 73% of people had a positive opinion about fur as garments and accessories while 69% of people had a positive attitude towards fur farming. A January 2001 poll showed that 70% of Finns see fur farming in conformity with western moral values.
Demand for fur garments exists in all Member States and sales of fur are highest in Italy, Spain, Germany, France and Austria.
CONCLUSION:
Fur skins have been used for clothing since early mankind. Today fur farming is meeting a growing demand for fur raw materials from the international fashion industry.