Real fur: Ban on imports and sales ‘will spare millions of animals’ as ministers call for evidence

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The government is taking a first step towards banning sales of real animal fur in the UK, which activists say would save millions of animals every year from agony. Animals in Finnish fur farms are ‘ghosts, empty souls, living in barren cages’ Claire Bass, executive director of Humane Society International/UK Photographs from fur farms abroad have shown animals suffering untreated wounds and painful infections, and even resorting to cannibalism. But the British Fur Trade Association, which supports sales of real animal fur, says a ban would be unenforceable and would increase the amount of fur imported from “unregulated” sources. “We hope the government hears from the ever-growing list of designers and retailers that are proud to be fur-free and firmly see the future of British fashion as one of sustainability, humane treatment of animals, innovation and textile technology – that’s how the UK can be a world leader in fashion.” Ms Bass, who has previously investigated Finnish fur farms in person, said the animals she saw were “ghosts, broken souls, living in barren cages”.