Arosa: Village bans advertising for fur products

The upscale resort in Graubünden, known for guaranteed snow and magnificent ski slopes, is now making headlines because the municipality has decided to ban all advertising for fur products in the village going forward. FOUR PAWS congratulates the municipal council of Arosa on this decision and commends them for this bold, innovative, and forward-thinking action.

This places the holiday destination right in line with current trends. Major luxury brands such as Chanel, Burberry, and Gucci have already been going fur-free for some time. FOUR PAWS sees the advertising ban on fur products as an important signal for other tourist destinations to follow Arosa's lead.

Pascal Jenny, Tourism Director of Arosa, explains the decision to ban fur advertising in the village as follows: «Arosa is a pioneer and already demonstrates, through the Arosa Bear Sanctuary, how animal welfare and tourism can work together in an exemplary way. This advertising ban is a logical next step along that path.Arosa is a pioneer and already demonstrates, through the Arosa Bear Sanctuary, how animal welfare and tourism can work together in an exemplary way. This advertising ban is a logical next step along that path.»

In FOUR PAWS’ view, the decision shows that ethical fashion and animal welfare have gained enormous importance in the tourism sector as well. Rather than the cruelty of real fur, modern consumers today also demand sustainability and innovation in this area. 

«It is truly a forward-looking message that Arosa no longer permits advertising for fur products. Hopefully many Swiss tourist destinations and municipalities will follow this example. Arosa promotes sustainable tourism and impressively demonstrates that it backs its words with action».

Alexandra Mandoki, Country Director of FOUR PAWS Switzerland.

Every year, more than 100 million animals are killed by the fur industry. Minks, foxes, and raccoon dogs suffer on fur farms in tiny wire cages, while other species die a cruel death in traps. Large quantities of hazardous chemicals are used in the processing of pelts for fur fashion. VIER PFOTEN has been working internationally on the issue of fur for many years and is campaigning in Switzerland for a ban on the import of fur products. 

5 Common Misconceptions About Fur

While the fashion trend is moving away from full coats and jackets, the vast quantities of fur collars, trimmings, and other «fluffy» accessories made from mink, raccoon dog, or fox cause no less animal cruelty. Many misconceptions about fur are circulating.

Misconception 1: «There is such a thing as ethically correct fur.»

85 percent of the fur traded worldwide comes from breeding farms where animals are denied a species-appropriate life. Even if a fur does not come from farms in Scandinavia, China, the Netherlands, or other countries, but from hunting and trapping — the procurement always involves immense animal suffering, for example through cruel hunting methods. These products have nothing to do with sustainable fashion.

The fact is: fur is never ethically correct!

Misconception 2: «European fur is more animal-friendly.»

It is sometimes claimed that fur from Europe is more animal-friendly than, for example, fur from China. This is not true: even the wholly inadequate regulations on fur animal husbandry in Europe are regularly flouted on fur farms. This is demonstrated, for example, by investigations from Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. Time and again, animal welfare violations in keeping conditions and behaviorally disturbed, injured, or dead animals are documented.

The fact is: fur is never animal-friendly — and that applies to fur from Europe as well!

Misconception 3: «Real fur is always labeled.»

Real fur is often not labeled, or consumers are misled by incorrect labeling. When in doubt, buyers must try to distinguish between real fur and faux fur themselves. But even when the animal species is stated on a product, information about the geographical origin or the conditions in which the animals were kept is typically absent. EU-wide, components of animal origin on textiles must be labeled, yet the important information about animal husbandry and origin continues to be missing.

The fact is: The labeling of fur is completely inadequate.

4. Misconception: «Fur with certain labels is animal-friendly.»

In the so-called model farms of the fur industry, the conditions for the animals do not differ from those of conventional fur farms. Even the label «Origin Assured,» developed by the fur industry, legitimizes absolute minimum standards for animal husbandry and cruel conditions on farms.

The fact is: Fur from model farms or with labels is no more animal-friendly.

5. Misconception: «Fur is a natural product.»

The fur industry likes to market its products as particularly eco-friendly and a pure natural product. The truth looks quite different: Even the keeping of animals on fur farms is associated with enormous environmental burdens and often pollutes nearby bodies of water. The production of fur fashion is, in turn, extremely chemical- and energy-intensive. A study has shown: Children’s clothing with fur is particularly contaminated with harmful substances.

The fact is: Fur burdens the environment and is often extremely contaminated with chemicals.