TRADE IN CAT AND DOG FUR BANNED

The Australian Government will immediately move to ban trade in cat and dog fur, the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison, said today.

The Government will amend the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958 to stop import and export of the fur of domestic cat and dog species (Felis cattus and Canis familiaris respectively).

Senator Ellison said the Howard Government had decided in April to introduce the ban after careful consideration and consultation with key groups in the community.

"I have received more than 9000 representations from a broad section of the community supporting a ban - the largest volume of correspondence I have received on a single issue in almost four years as Minister," he said.

"This concern has led directly to the Government working closely with key groups to ensure the ban is as effective and comprehensive as possible.

"Many Australian families have cats and dogs as family pets, and the Government has listened to the many representations made on this issue and taken action to ensure that Australia makes no contribution to this disturbing trade in the fur of domestic companion animals."

The Prime Minister has written to Premiers and Chief Ministers asking them to take parallel action by also banning the domestic sale and production of goods using cat and dog fur using State or Territory legislation.

"The agreement and support from the States and Territories will clearly signal to those who engage in this business that Australia will not allow any commercial trade in these products."

Under special circumstances, written permission may be sought for dog and cat fur goods to be imported or exported. These circumstances could include a domestic pet that has been preserved by taxidermy, or possibly for research or historical display purposes.

"Goods of concern most likely to be made of dog or cat fur allegedly include clothing and footwear, gloves, hats and toys, other accessories and fur-covered animal figurines," Senator Ellison said.

"Other countries such as the United States and Italy already have legislation in place to stop the trade in cat and dog fur products. I am delighted that Australia will now join with these countries in cracking down on this unacceptable trade," Senator Ellison said.