I totally agree with you, it wouldn't be fair to them, and I think it would be tragic if they had to stop producing Angora. I think the link was only boycotting those countries who plucked, so in some ways this could actually help the small farmer. One of the reasons China has the lowest prices on so many things is that they don't seem to care about animal welfare at all.
I've often thought we should have an organization, that could give a "humane seal of approval" and to get it they would have to pass certain requirements. Maybe someday, but I'll be long gone by then.

I am very concerned about the effect that broadly stated legislation would have on small hard working farmers like Judy's aunt. As was clear earlier on in this thread the definition 'plucked' as it is generally referred to in regard to fiber animals was applied to a very different behavior (violent scream inducing fur tearing) than you would hear a group of ladies gently chatting about at a flock and fiber festival. Using language that would generally refer to an appropriate, necessary managment piece of an animals care and applying that term to a brutal animal abuse situation then using that same language to create stipulations could very direly effect people who work hard to uphold ethical standards producing angora fiber. Which is where I have grave concern when such actions are being led by a group that comes from a perspective of Zero tolerance when it comes to the use of any animal product such as angora fiber, Sheeps wool or meat. I worry about the protection of small hard working farmers. Again I must state that I strongly advocate for the safe and humane treatment of animals. In this case I cannot comfortably trust the source of this petition (no not you miss Nancy ;) ) especially when language like 'plucked' is being used very broadly.

I know 'breeder' is often considered a bad word by many who are not educated on the rigorous standards and tireless efforts that a truly ethical breeder must adhere to. I think we have the blessing to get I know what that really means here and I think it is imperative that we strive to continue to educate ourselves, to know the difference from a back yard breeder and a tireless advocate striving to protect and improve our breed as well as to educate ourselves on terms like 'plucking' and on what humane practices in animal management - particularity when it comes to animals we are going to consume!- are so that we can make educated decisions and put out support where it is well deserved.

I understand perfectly, I just couldn't get the picture of the rabbit out of my mind and felt like I had to do something. I think the petition is just trying to say that, ". . . you will not only NEVER buy clothes and accessories made of Angora fur that is produced in a way that animals are being hurt, but also think that governments all over the world should take action and illegalize import of fur produced this way!" I think after they have so many signatures they send them off to different countries and let them know that a lot of people feel the same way. This is more about creating awareness of a problem than solving it at this point.

Maybe if the ethical or humane breeders of rabbits got involved they would be able to draft up some ideas. I agree with you in that I don't think the uneducated or people not involved at all should be the one making the rules, too much that they don't understand. I'm just not sure how we can get people involved in it.

While I would love to sign many online petitions I see, I am cautious of them. It is worthy of everyone signing a petition to do your research. I am not for or against petitions, even this particular one, just a friendly warning to all who willfully sign them to know that you may not know where your information is going. Often times the information gained in these petitions are sold to the highest bidder. This particular petition asks for name, address, email, city, state, and zip. That is a lot of information that we really don't know who is going to do what with. While I believe the awareness is 100% worthy, I just don't want anyone to have my information out of my control. I love the idea of "certified humane" process.

http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors...m#.VFlFKvnF9VI


Focus on Internet petitions

Yes, good points, if you do sign any petitions, I urge you to use a different email account than your primary account.

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It comes down to researching your source. And just like here in the States, just because something is Made in the UK doesn't mean it is made from UK materials. If it seems like a good deal, it's because cheap china materials were used.

Humanely sourced angora is pricey. As a knitter, A ball of humanely sourced angora yarn is about £7 or $11. It's expensive to knit a sweater out of it.

Unfortunately, the walmart mentality has people buying things because they are cheap, regardless of where or how it is sourced.

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I know this from experiences with my aunt's rabbits and business! But just like any "great businessperson", it is not a cheap operation, it requires continual care and work and involvment with the "inventory", and ethics and integrity for your craft/product must be the guiding principle of your business! THIS business, done humanely, aint a cheap, get rich quick scheme!