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The world asking Israel to pass the bill to ban fur
Paul McCartney, Brigitte Bardot, Chrissie Hynde support the fur ban bill in Israel like thousands of people worldwide
Besides the support of international celebrities, the vast majority of the Israeli public is backing the bill for a total ban on the fur trade. One hundred Israeli celebrities, including top fashion designers have signed and written messages of support in a guest-book.
Paul McCartney has said: "By banning such a cruel industry Israel would provide a shining example in care and compassion that others would be sure to follow."
Brigitte Bardot wrote several letters to Israeli leaders at the Knesset, urging them to pass this bill and make history, also reminding them that the world is watching very closely. One of her letters states: "I would like to thank you personally for your help and support promoting the bill against the fur trade in Israel."
Chrissie Hynde also wrote: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking this fantastic compassionate step. The fur trade is a stain on our collective consciences."
Members of the British Parliament such as David Amess, Norman Baker, Judy Mallaber and Nick Palmer wrote letters of support, as well.
The Dalai Lama’s Office showed his support by sending us a letter on his philosophy that illustrates how the anti-fur ban follows his teachings on compassion.
The real cost of fur
Israel takes a giant step, approving expansion on anti-fur bill to include all animals
The Israeli Government approves unanimously a bill that brings Israel one step closer to becoming the first fur-free country
In one of the most important achievements in the combined efforts of the ‘International Anti-Fur Coalition’ and ‘Let the Animals Live’ in their endeavors to protect fur bearing animals, the ministerial committee for legislative affairs accepted their request and approved unanimously the expansion on MK Ronit Tirosh’s bill. The bill prohibiting originally only the trade of cat and dog fur and was approved on its first reading; has been expanded by amendment to include all fur from all mammals. The ban includes an exception on specific fur hats worn by a few people for cultural identity. This bill is a global and historic precedent.
The total ban on all fur from all animals in addition circumvented the anticipated complexity that would have behooved the customs authority in distinguishing the animal of origin of each particular fur item.
Agriculture Minister Shalom Simhon and Minister of Environmental Protection Gilad Arden addressed the Ministerial Committee with the assistance of Minister of Education, Gideon Saar. Jane Halevy of the International Anti-Fur Coalition and attorney Joshua Rotbert, legal adviser of Let the Animals Live are the ones that initiated the matter with the help of MK Nitzan Horowitz via bringing to the government’s attention the cruel truth behind the needless fur trade.
Now that the legislative committee unanimously approved the amendment, the Education, Culture and Sports Ministry committee will hold a vote on the amendment later in the month and following their approval the bill will be put to a second and then third reading before finally being past into law. The vast majority are hopeful that the Israeli government will continue on the path to end needless animal cruelty.
International Anti-Fur Coalition urge Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz to ban cat and dog fur trade in Canada
Following the Canadian press revelation concerning the federal government decision not to ban imports of cat and dog fur, the International Anti-Fur Coalition urges Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz not to be an accomplice of the needless torture of millions of cats and dogs killed for their fur, and to ban this trade.
As Europe and the United States, among other nations worldwide, have already banned imports of cat and dog fur, Canada would allow this barbaric industry which is based on the exploitation and cruel killing of millions of cats and dogs, every year, to continue. It is hard to believe that Canada would want to support such a deplorable trade. If no ban is imposed, the Canadian market would be flooded with the fur skinned from dogs and cats. Not to mention the fact that the countries which did not adopt any measure happen to record skins traffics inside their borders, such as cat skins tanneries in Switzerland. Therefore, we urge Minister Ritz to adopt regulations in accordance with the United States and Europe to prevent the trade of cat and dog fur from flooding canadian market. It is in Canada’s best interest to avoid this International disgrace and the resulting harm that will be caused to Canada’s economy and reputation.
Seal hunt derived products banned from the European union
The European ministers Council approved the seal products ban from the European union on the 27th of july, 2009, after the European Parliament passed this bill on the 5th of may, and in spite of the latest threatening attempts by the Canadian government.
It is acknowledged that the seal hunt costs a huge amount of taxpayers’ money, and bears minor benefits. However, the Canadian government spent vast sums to pretend they were defending sealers’ interests; they keep on promoting seals derived products, lobbying the state members of the European union and, more recently, the World Trade Organization.
The International Antifur Coalition denounces the irresponsible stubborness shown by the Canadian government in their dedication to the maintain of the unprofitable and amazingly cruel Canadian seal slaughter. IAFC urges them again to find a more sustainable and ethical activity, such as ecotourism, as a reasonable alternative.
A Face for Fur
In association with International Anti-Fur Coalition’s campaign against the fur trade, Israeli actress Shira Vilensky was photographed at the snowy foot of Mount Hermon in northern Israel, a perfect location combining the Israeli campaign and the plight of seals in Canada.
A series of photographs were taken, to raise awareness on the cruelty and horrors of the fur industry. The action was meant to coincide with Knesset Member Nitzan Horovitz’s precedential anti-fur bill to entirely ban the fur trade in Israel, prohibiting all fur importations, productions and sales.
“Imagine the violence inflicted on these animals that are gassed, electrocuted and often skinned alive. We need to make justice for all fur bearing animals. Compassionate people hope that Israel will ban all fur” says Shira Vilensky.
The European Union voted in the ban on all commercial seal products
On May 5th 2009 the European Union voted to ban the trade of all commercial seal products. The vote results of this legislation are firm and definite: 550 in favor and only 49 against. Europe joins U.S.A, Mexico and Croatia. The countries that had already taken the decision to ban all trade products coming from the cruel seal hunt.
International Anti-Fur Coalition congratulates the European Parliament for this impressive vote in favor of the ban, hence representing the opinion of the many Europeans opposed to the annual seal slaughter. The previous European Union legislation dated back to 1983, and only banned the sales of products and fur coming from the whitecoat seals.
This is a historic day in the global fight against the seal slaughter, and especially for Canada. The European Union being one of the major markets, this decision will save hundreds of thousands of seals from being brutally killed each year.
The price for seal pelts had already dropped this year to 15 Canadian dollars, a lowering of 86% compared to 2006! As a result many hunters had taken the decision not to hunt this year. The financial support of the Canadian government for the seals massacre exceeds in actuality any and all financial benefits, and should be put to the much better use of reconversion to eco-tourism.
For a first time a Canadian politician, Senator Mac Harb has introduced legislation to put an end to this hunt; the largest remaining marine mammal slaughter in the world. A majority of Canadians would like to see the end of the barbaric massacre, it is time for the Canadian government to act, and finally put an end to this international disgrace.
For more information on the annual seal hunt.
Investigative report in Israel exposes dog and rabbit fur sold as ’fake fur’
A report on Israel’s channel 10, led by SPCA Israel and International Anti-Fur Coalition, has revealed that from the top fashion chains stores to cheap toys in bazaars, what was being sold as fake fur was indeed real fur.
Though Israel is not a country that suffers from extreme cold, fur can be found on countless items, from fashion trimmings to decorations on knick-knacks to toys for children and pets.
The International Anti-Fur Coalition had been alerted by numerous customers who reported to them on "fake fur" trims that just seemed too real, and were not satisfied by the shop’s reassurances, that the fur in question was indeed fake. Items from various shops were sent to be analyzed at the independent laboratory, Forensic Science Institute.
Avner Rosengarten, the scientist who preformed the analysis states that the results prove beyond any doubt that the fur is not synthetic, but came from dogs and rabbits!
The investigators confronted the head offices of Renuar and ML, the top fashion chains from which the items tested were taken. Both claimed to have a "fur free" policy and put the blame on their Chinese supplier. Both took the same following actions; removing all items in question from their selves, offering apologies and refunds to all offended customers, set in action their own investigations, and stated that in the future they will require from all suppliers to present them with lab results proving that all fur items are indeed synthetic, before entering the country.
In light of the investigation, International Anti-Fur Coalition and SPCA Israel ask that Israel pass legislation making it illegal to import all fur products.
"Skinned Alive": a voice to say "No to fur"!
Trapping footage: Fur Bearer Defenders.
The Video Clip & Song "Skinned Alive" have been launched to expose the horrific cruelty inflicted upon fur bearing animals worldwide. They live miserable lives before meeting with unspeakable agonizing deaths simply to become fur coats and trinkets. Listen to the screams of millions of caged innocent animals just to end up even skinned alive for fur.
The hidden reality of fur trade...
Warning: Contains graphic footage
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Fur coat
International Anti-Fur Coalition
The International Anti-Fur Coalition is a worldwide group of organizations, working to end the atrocities of the fur industry. Since 2006 it has been organizing anti-fur protests to hold demonstrations simultaneously all over the world.
