Animal welfare in fashion – FOUR PAWS Australia signs 2 Australian brands to global Fur Free Retailer program
International animal protection group, FOUR PAWS Australia has welcomed major Australian brands, Kathmandu and Koala to the global Fur Free Retailer program as the not-for-profit continues its push for animal welfare in fashion. Run in over 20 countries, Fur Free Retailer is the world’s leading program to connect fur-free companies to consumers, with FOUR PAWS Australia as the Australian representative.
Perhaps one of the most well-known animal welfare issues, fur remains a large industry responsible for the horrific treatment of millions of animals. The global fur trade sources 95% of its fur from animals forced to live in small wire cages on fur farms.
“For 30 years, FOUR PAWS has campaigned globally on behalf of animals and their protection. Now we’re in Australia, to bring a local voice to this global debate. It is fantastic to have such brands on board, who want to take a progressive stance on behalf of animals. Interest in animal-free choices is definitely on the rise in Australia, with vegan fashion and beauty products now part of mainstream trends and branding,” says Elise Burgess, Head of Communications at FOUR PAWS Australia.
Over 880 major labels including H&M, Michael Kors, Gucci and Armani have also committed to fur-free policies, not only prioritising animal welfare and consumer demands, but also supporting an end to fur’s image as a ‘luxury’ item.
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