Issue - meetings

RESOLVED that:-

(1)          the official Fur Free Markets policy be adopted:

Teignbridge District Council recognises that the United Kingdom has     banned the farming of animals for their fur on ethical grounds since 2000 and the use of one of the most common traps used to catch animals for their fur has also been banned for many years.

Recognising that real fur is cruel and unnecessary, this Local Authority prohibits the selling of products containing real animal fur on council owned land, council run markets or council leased markets (including seasonal and Christmas markets).  All products wholly or partially made with real fur are covered by this ban and include for example; fur coats, vintage fur, fur shawls, garments with fur trim, fur pompom hats, and fur accessories and trinkets; and

(2)          the Fur Free Markets campaign of the animal welfare charity, Respect for Animals, the UK’s leading anti-fur organisation be supported by:

Becoming a signatory to the initiative.

Seeking the advice and assistance of the charity in the   enforcement of this ban

The Portfolio Holder for Sport, Recreation & Culture (Councillor MacGregor) was not present during consideration of this item and did not vote.

The Portfolio Holder for Business, Economy and Tourism presented the report to agree on the ban of real fur sale on Council owned land and at Council run or leased markets, and to sign up to the Fur Free Markets campaign.

A Non-Executive Member commented that they supported the proposals although they raised concerns regarding the charity.

The Portfolio Holder for Waste Management & Environmental Health proposed the recommendation, this was seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Business, Economy and Tourism.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)          the official Fur Free Markets policy be adopted:

Teignbridge District Council recognises that the United Kingdom has     banned the farming of animals for their fur on ethical grounds since 2000 and the use of one of the most common traps used to catch animals for their fur has also been banned for many years.

Recognising that real fur is cruel and unnecessary, this Local Authority prohibits the selling of products containing real animal fur on council owned land, council run markets or council leased markets (including seasonal and Christmas markets).  All products wholly or partially made with real fur are covered by this ban and include for example; fur coats, vintage fur, fur shawls, garments with fur trim, fur pompom hats, and fur accessories and trinkets; and

(2)          the Fur Free Markets campaign of the animal welfare charity, Respect for Animals, the UK’s leading anti-fur organisation be supported by:

Becoming a signatory to the initiative.

Seeking the advice and assistance of the charity in the enforcement of this ban.