Fur is an animal-derived material made from skins of species with thick growth of hair such as foxes, cats, dogs, sheep, seals, bears, mustelids (mink, ermine etc.), rodents (rabbit, beaver, chinchilla etc.) and other exotic species. It is obtained by skinning an animal for a pelt, where hair is left attached after processing. Some furs are produced from fetal animals, such as astrakhan. Fur production therefore raises important ethical questions and serious concerns regarding animal welfare. These include inhumane slaughter, trapping and farming methods, as well as mass slaughtering of endangered and exotic species. Fur can also have a higher environmental impact than leather, as unlike some leather, it is rarely a by-product of the meat industry.(1-4)
FUR
