[browniesmom622]

Dog and Cat Used in Some Rawhide Chews

"More than 2 million dogs and cats are killed for their fur each year. The Humane Society of the United States recently finished an 18-month investigation of the fur trade. Investigators went to China, Thailand, and the Philippines. They found dogs and cats being treated inhumanely and then killed for their fur and skin. More than 2 million cats and dogs are killed for their fur each year. Some of this fur and skin is imported to the United States.

"It is not against the law to wear, sell, and import cat and dog fur in the United States. It is, however, illegal to kill cats and dogs for their fur. This is different in China and many other places. There cats and dogs can be raised and killed for their fur and skin. Some of these animals come from breeding farms, but others are strays and stolen pets.

"The Humane Society found animals kept in crowded and dirty conditions. They are transported in bags. They are not fed regularly. Dogs are often cut in the hind leg or groin when they are killed. They then bleed to death. The dogs are sometimes skinned while they are still alive. Cats are often strangled to death. These methods leave the animals' fur in good condition for use as coats and trim, but are cruel.

"Cat and dog skin is difficult to recognize. It looks the same as other leather. It often comes from Thailand and the Philippines. Items which often use cat and dog skin include rawhide chew toys, musical instruments, clothing, purses, bed sheets, car upholstery, gloves, sports equipment, and medicine."5