Conscious of public concern for domestic cats (Felis catus) and dogs (Canis familiaris), the Fur Council of Canada wishes to confirm that the Canadian trade does not buy, sell or use any fur from these species.

We understand that people in some countries do use these species for food and other purposes, and we respect cultural diversity; we do not wish to make value judgements or impose our own morality on other people. The Canadian trade, however, has no interest in working with furs from domestic cats (Felis catus) or dogs (Canis familiaris), nor is there any consumer demand for such products in North America.

The Canadian fur trade is tightly regulated under provincial and territorial, national and international laws and codes of practice. The fur trade does not use endangered species and to this end fully endorses the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). The trade also funds research to ensure the best possible animal-welfare standards for both farmed and wild fur-bearing animals. Consumer protection is assured by the federal Competition Act, whereby it is illegal to falsely label consumer products in Canada.

The fur trade is an excellent example of the sustainable use of wildlife and renewable resources, a principle promoted by the World Conservation Union and other leading conservation organizations. 

                                                                                            ***

Policy endorsed by Joint Executive Committee of the Fur Council of Canada (FCC) and Canadian Fur  Trade   Development Institute (CFTDI), June 29, 2005.