By Way Of Explanation

Awwww, what a cute little plush cat toy.

It's made from dog fur.

Make you mad? Hope so.

Even though America signed an agreement with China back in 1998 banning the import of fur from dogs and cats there are still stores that sell products manufactured using these materials.

China gets around the ban by re-labelling dog fur as coming from "gae-wolf", "sobaki", "gubi" or "Asian jackel". Cat fur is re-labeled "wild cat", "goyangi" or "mountain cat".

Currently T.J. Maxx and Marshall's are selling clothing and other objects that include animal fur. I hope you'll take a moment to add your name to this petition to convince them to reconsider this disgusting practice.

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For quite some time I've been meaning to do a cartoon on the subject of China's de facto role as bad guy in the world fur trade but it's a tough assignment. Everyone hates the bearer of bad news and simply broaching the subject makes every pet owner go into a defensive rage over the very idea that anyone would take their Fluffy or Boots and convert them to sportswear. But it's true. There, but for the international time line goes your little furry bundle of love, either as a handbag or the blue plate special.

There are videos available on the 'net that would instantly convince you of the severity of the problem but I'm not going to force them on you as they're nightmare stuff for sensitive persons. Seek them out yourself if you've a mind to but it's more effective to demonstrate against the use of ornamental fur through formal means.

=Lefty=