Breeding animals for their fur is inefficient and highly energy-consumptive. Waste run off from thousands of animals concentrated on fur farms pollutes soil and waterways. To make the raw animal skins suitable for fashion, heavily toxic chemicals such as chromium and formaldehyde are used to keep them from rotting. 

Extensive international research has pointed out that toxins in fur pose a serious health risk. High levels of chemicals like formaldehyde and ethoxylates are found in most fur trims, which can cause allergies, cancer and hormonal imbalance. Many fur farmers and processors have been fined for releasing toxic waste into the environment. 

The hunting practices of the fur industry also have a negative impact on biodiversity. The use of indiscriminate traps present a major threat to the survival of many native species, some of which are classified as endangered or threatened.  

In addition, animals such as the American mink and raccoon dogs, who were introduced in Europe for fur farming, are now listed as invasive species and a threat to native animals across Europe.

Claims that fur is a natural and sustainable product are thus fiction instead of reality. The production of fur is intensely polluting and requires a lot of energy. 

Posted by Elise Burgess, Head of Communications-FOUR PAWS Australia