EURO MP BACKS CAMPAIGN TO END CHINESE FUR FARM CRUELTY

12.00.00am GMT Tue 14th Mar 2006

Liz Lynne, West Midlands Liberal Democrats MEP today backed a campaign calling for improved welfare standards in the production of fur, after an investigation revealed animals on Chinese fur farms suffer unbearable living conditions and in some cases are skinned alive.

The secret investigation, carried out by the Swiss Association for Animal Protection and the Association East International, uncovered appalling conditions in Chinese fur farms. The report records instances where animals such as foxes, minks and rabbits are beaten to death with sticks, have their heads slammed on the floor and in some cases are skinned alive without having been dazed.

A video of the investigation's findings, entitled "Chinese Fur - The Shocking Video on Animal Conditions in Fur Farms", was screened for Euro MPs today. Liz Lynne has joined other MEPs in signing a 'Public Appeal' highlighting the problem and calling on the European Commission and President of the European Parliament to take action.

Speaking in Strasbourg, Liz Lynne said "The horrific living conditions and brutal slaughter methods uncovered in this investigation will shock many of my constituents, as it shocked me. These medieval farming practices are morally repugnant and simply unacceptable, in any country."

"The EU must ensure that animal welfare in fur production is raised in bilateral agreements with China and through the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with the People's Republic of China. Now the true scale of the problem has been shown, it is one we cannot ignore."

ENDS

For further information, comment or to book an interview, please telephone Liz Lynne on 0033388177521 (Strasbourg) or 077644 52725 (mobile) or the Press Officer Steve Nowottny in Stratford-upon-Avon on 01789 262785.