Friday, 7th March 2008
Animal cruelty
It took eight years of campaigning to ensure a ban on the evil trade of cat and dog fur in Europe. The animals, largely bred and slaughtered in China, were then made into clothes and toys and shipped into Europe. They were often sold to unassuming customers as faux-fur.
Incredible to believe but it’s cheaper to breed the animals than to make faux-fur for fashion accessories. In China alone, two million animals are slaughtered each year in this barbaric industry, lives that will be spared once the ban comes into force on 1st January 2009.
Celebrities such as Heather Mills, Rick Wakeman and Denis Edrman, Director of Sex in the City, joined the Humane Society International campaign, which I was proud to front in Europe. Over the eight years we received the support of millions of members of the public and we eventually secured a ban on the import, export and trade of cat and dog fur within the European Union.
As a nation of animal lovers, it is very difficult for us to stomach the horrific cruelty inflicted on these animals just for their fur.
So when I read about the alleged activities of Andrew Debidin, I was absolutely enraged. If he is indeed committing these depraved acts, it is vital that he is stopped immediately. An ASBO which is only enforced in England is nowhere near punishment enough, and he cannot simply be allowed to move to Scotland and continue his activities.
I have written to the Chief Constable of Grampian Police asking him to look into the matter immediately. The full force of the law has to come down quickly on anyone who abuses and kills animals in such an appalling manner.
