Switzerland is to ban the trade in cat fur following an outcry in France over the disappearance of hundreds of domestic cats allegedly poached for their soft coats. Under Swiss law it is permitted to kill stray cats and sell their fur for and equivalent of £3 a piece to tanneries. It is believed that cat fur clothing products and belts ease rheumatism. The Swiss are now under intense pressure to end the practice since the disappearance of hundreds of domestic cats over the French border. According to local animal rights groups, dozens of cats have been reported missing in one day in several of the bordering villages, with only their collars left behind. The Swiss police set up a special cat unit to try to counter any such activities but have found no organised cat ring or activities.
Source: Daily Telegraph – Henry Samuel – March 2008
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