Atlanta, GA

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

On May 13th a Congressional committee was informed that many products advertised as containing faux fur are falsely advertising. Michael Markarian, COO of the Humane Society of the United States testified before members of the Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee of the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee that a severe lack of government regulation combined with the increasing technology in the manufacturing of faux fur often leave consumers unaware of what they are purchasing.

Markarian is urging Congress to create legislation that would dictate that clothing makers explicitly state when garments do contain animal fur and the type. The proposed act is called the Truth in Fur Labeling Act.

The current Federal Trade Commission fur regulation was first enacted in 1952 but was intended for a different purpose at the time, so consumers buying pricy fur products would not get deceived at point of purchase. Since then, many consumers choose not to wear animal fur due to social acceptance and animal rights activism. The current regulations do require clothing companies to label garments that contain fur but only if the garment is valued at over $150 USD. The Truth in Fur Labeling Act would require all clothing that contains fur to label it as such, regardless of the retail price.

Markarian avowed the HSUS's vehement support for increased regulation. "Consumers who may have allergies to animal fur, ethical objections to fur, or concern about the use of certain species should have the same opportunity to make informed purchasing choices, regardless of the amount or dollar value of animal fur used on a garment," he expressed.

Markarian informed the subcommittee that based on existing pelt prices many fur-trimmed products contain up to 30 animal hides. In addition, an HSUS investigation found raccoon dog (a breed indigenous to Asia) fur on over half of a nationwide sample of fur-lined jackets often purchased from popular designers. Of the jackets in question, not a single one accurately labeled the animal fur, instead dubbing it faux fur or raccoon fur.

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