The Fur Trade

Posted by Joy Butler Jul 3, 2007

Many people are opposed to the fur trade, especially when it comes to using companion animals. The import and sale of such furs were banned in the US in 2000 and, according to the RSPCA newsletter, a similar ban will take effect next year in the EU. I've read that countries like China are still killing dogs and cats to produce furs for the fashion industry. Perhaps with a shrinking market, the business will not be profitable enough to sustain itself. I'm not sure how fur could be a desirable choice in clothing when it's apparent the suffering it causes. With so many other materials available for wear, it seems that fur would never be an option. However there is a fur material that is stunningly beautiful, luxuriously soft, and more importantly, humane. To be absolutely correct, it is not really fur, but hair. And that's something most of us dog owners have in abundance. Yes, dog hair can be spun into yarn and then knit into beautiful sweaters, socks, blankets and more. It's called cheingora. What could be more special than wearing a unique sweater or showcasing an embroidered picture of your beloved dog, crafted from his own beautiful hair?