U.S. House Passes Cat and Dog Fur Labeling Law
Thursday, July 29, 2010

Contact your U.S. Senators and ask them to support this bill

The U.S. House has finally passed the Truth in Fur Labeling Act of 2009, H.R. 2480 that would close a loophole in current law that allows small amounts of dog and cat fur to be used in clothes without any labeling.

Currently manufacturers are permitted to sell fur trim on garments without providing accurate—or any—labeling if the fur is valued at less than $150. Investigations have shown that what is sometimes labeled as “faux fur” can actually contain fur, and unlabeled garments that consumers assume contain fake fur actually do not. The House passed the bill on Wednesday, July 28, 2010 after it sat for more than a year in committee.

In addition, this bill would clearly include raccoon dogs, frequently used for fur trim, in the prohibition against the use of dog fur. The status of raccoon dogs has been contested by fur dealers who claim that raccoon dogs are a different species of animal and that the sale of their fur should be permitted. This bill would also give individual states the authority to enact more restrictive laws if they choose.

Now that this bill has cleared the House, it is time to demand action from the Senate.

Please contact your U.S. Senators and ask them to pass H.R. 2480 before the end of this legislative session!