European IFTF (International Fur Trade Federation) members are introducing a new fur labelling initiative to improve consumer information.

The new label clearly identifies the species of fur in the scientific Latin name and either the local language and/or the English translation. It also includes care instructions and the name of the retailer or manufacturer of the garment. The label must be securely and visibly attached to the item containing fur.

The scheme is being introduced by all 15 EU members of IFTF, plus Norway and Switzerland, for the new 2003-04 season.

The European labels are based on the model introduced by the Italian Fur Trade Federation in conjunction with the Icec (Quality Certification Institute for the Tanning Industry) in March 2003, and which has been approved by the UNI (Italian National Standards Institute) as Standard 11007. The labels in each country may vary slightly in size and language, but all will carry the scientific Latin name of the species, together with the local translation and / or English name.

Here are the latin names of the most popular fur bearing animals that the IFTF use within the EU.

N. American beaver - Castor canadensis
Bobcat Lynx - rufus/Felis rufa
Chinchilla - Chinchilla lanigera
Coyote - Canis latrans
Ermine - Mustela erminea
Finnraccoon - Nyctereutes procyonoides
Black fitch - Mustela putorius
White fitch - Mustela eversmanni
Arctic fox/White fox (wild) - Alopex lagopus
Blue fox (farmed) - Alopex lagopus
N. American grey fox - Urocyon cinereoargenteus
S. American grey fox - Pseudalopex griseus
Red fox (wild) - Vulpes vulpes
Silver fox (farmed) - Vulpes vulpes
Kolinski - Mustela sibirica
Karakul lamb - Ovis aries
Tibet and Kalgan lamb - Ovis aries
N. American lynx - Lynx canadensis
Lynxcat - Lynx rufus/Felis rufa
Baum marten - Martes martes
Canadian marten - Martes americana
Mink - Mustela vison
Musquash - Ondatra zibethica
Nutria - Myocastor coypus
American opossum - Didelphis virginia
Australian/New Zealand opossum - Trichosurus vulpecula
Rabbit - Oryctolagus cuniculus
Raccoon - Procyon lotor
Russian sable - Martes zibellina
Ringed seal - Phoca hispida
Chinese/Russian squirrel - Sciurus vulgaris
N. American squirrel - Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
Tanuki - Nyctereutes procyonoides
Weasel - Mustela nivalis

If anyone knows of any outlets in the West Midlands that are selling real fur this year please do not hesitate to contact PACA with details. Thanks.

People Against Cruelty to Animals - West Midlands
Web:  http://www.vivisection.info/paca
Email:  pacawestmids@fastmail.fm

For more info on the disgusting, cruel animal fur trade and how to help to stop it please visit:  http://www.caft.org.uk