Buyer Beware: Fake Fur or Dog Fur?

by Annie Hartnett · 2010-02-09 03:13:00 -0800
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I look great in fake fur. I am the Cruella Deville of fake fur. And I firmly believe I can tell the difference between real fur and faux fur. Whenever I go into a thrift store that sells fur coats, I always touch them. The coats feel like, well, skins of dead animals. My fake fur coats feel like my stuffed animal toys from childhood.

But even if I couldn't tell by touching the clothing, I should be able to tell real from fake by reading the tag, right?

Maybe not. Earlier this week, Neiman Marcus settled a case filed by The Humane Society of the United States against them (and five other retailers) for the mislabeling of garments. Neiman Marcus had been selling clothing made of Chinese raccoon dog fur labeled as fake fur. Sadly, raccoon dog fur is cheaper than faux fur. Neiman Marcus shelled out $25,000 to The Humane Society and agreed to stricter labeling policies. The retailer also promised to support any future federal legislation to end the sale of mislabeled fur. Saks worked out a similar deal a few weeks ago, and Macy's is the only retailer still battling it out in court.

So what to do with your raccoon dog coat? Surely you don't want to wear it now that you know it isn't faux! Donate it to The Humane Society. Their "Coats for Cubs" program uses fur coats to provide comfort and warmth to orphaned or injured critters in wildlife rehabilitation centers. Fur coat donations may be sent to The Humane Society or brought to any Buffalo Exchange.

Photo Credit: Pkuczynski

Annie Hartnett is a writer and animal advocate who has worked for several wildlife rehabilitation centers and environmental programs.
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