FACTS ABOUT FURS
Most mink and foxes are now produced on farms. Chinchillas are also farm-raised, as are the special breeds of sheep (e.g., karakul or “Persian” lamb) that are used for fur.
Farmed mink and foxes are fed by-products from our own food production system. In addition to fur, these animals provide organic fertilizers, fine oils for leather protection and other products. Nothing is wasted!
Farmed fur animals receive excellent nutrition, housing and care. This is the only way to produce the high quality of fur required by the market. Farmers who didn't provide excellent care for their animals would not remain in business for long.
Farmed mink and foxes are produced in accordance with Recommended Codes of Practice developed by Agriculture Canada in consultation with producers and humane societies.
Fur production supports the livelihood and culture of more than 1,000 farm families across North America.
Farmed mink and foxes have been selectively bred for more than 100 years to produce a wide range of beautiful natural colors. Fur can now also be sheared, dyed and textured for many new, lightweight fashion applications.
Beaver, muskrat and raccoon are some of the most abundant furs produced in nature. Other beautiful wild furs include marten (sable), fisher, fox, coyote, squirrel, badger, opossum, lynx and bobcat.
Most of the world's beautiful wild furs are produced in Canada, the United States and Russia.
Wild furs are abundant; endangered species are NOT used in the fur trade. This is assured by strict state (or provincial), federal and international regulations.
The fur trade uses only a small part of the surplus produced by nature each year. This is what biologists call “sustainable use of renewable resources” — a principle that is now endorsed by all major conservation organizations including the World Conservation Union and the World Wildlife Fund.
When you buy wild fur you support aboriginal trappers and other people who live close to the land — people who have a direct interest in protecting wildlife habitat.
Beaver, muskrat and other fur animals also provide food for many aboriginal and remote communities : animals not used for food are returned to nature to feed other wildlife through the winter. Nothing is wasted!
With new designs and processing techniques, wild furs are more lightweight and versatile than ever — ideal for today's active lifestyles!
- Always hang your fur on a broad-shoulder hanger, never on a wire hanger. Leave enough room in the closet so the fur is not crushed.
- Never hang your fur in a plastic or rubber-lined bag. Plastic prevents air from circulating, which can dry out the leather. When traveling, store your fur in a cloth garment bag provided by your furrier.
- If your fur gets wet, shake it out and hang it to dry in a well-ventilated room. Avoid direct heat or radiators, which can damage both fur and leather. After your fur is dry, shake it again. Most furs will take some rain and snow far better than a wool or other winter coat will. If the fur is soaked through, however, take it immediately to your fur retailer for proper treatment. Never comb or brush the fur.
- Never attempt to mothproof fur yourself. Home treatments are no substitute for professional cleaning and storage.
- Avoid spraying perfume or hairspray onto your fur.
- Always store your fur during warm weather with your furrier — never at a dry cleaner. Your furrier is equipped with temperature, humidity and light-controlled storage facilities to protect fur.
- Have fur cleaned annually by a fur specialist.
- Have small rips or tears repaired immediately by your furrier. This will prevent more expensive repairs later.
- Avoid leaving a fur hanging in bright sunshine. Intense light can cause the fur to oxidize or change color.
- Enjoy wearing fur!
The fur trade is a responsible industry based on the sustainable use of renewable natural resources.
After 400 years of commercial trading, there are as many beavers in Canada now as when Europeans first arrived. Thanks to excellent conservation policies, Canadian furs are abundant and absolutely no endangered species are used.
The fur trade contributes more than $2 billion annually to the North American economy, including more than $400 million in exports.
The North American fur trade is committed to responsible treatment of animals. Trapping methods are strictly regulated by provincial, state and territorial wildlife departments.
An international agreement signed by Canada, the United States, Russia and the European Union establishes scientific protocols for humane trapping standards.
Many Canadian families rely on beaver, muskrat and other fur animals for food as well as income. When you buy fur, you support thousands of aboriginal and other people living on the land.
A fine natural product, fur is a biodegradable, renewable resource — it can even be re-styled as fashions change.
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