Fur or Fur Trim

Since the 1940s, sheep and lamb production has been on the decline in the U.S. No single factor is responsible for the decline; it stems from several forces, such as globalization and growing competition from other meat and fiber industries in the U.S. The sheep industry has adjusted, investing in new technologies and improving efficiency. Signs of change include the introduction of hair sheep, the growth in direct marketing, and the emergence of the dairy sheep industry.

This report summarizes results from Wave 1 of the Humane Research Council's "Animal Tracker" survey of U.S. adults regarding their attitudes and behavior toward animals. This inaugural survey of 16 core questions shows strong support for the protection of all animals. The strength of that support varies by situation and species, however, and actual behavior does not always reflect the favorable attitudes identified.

According to Gallup's 2008 Values and Belief's Survey, there were no significant changes in U.S. public opinion from last year's survey for the following animal issues: medical testing on animals; cloning animals; and fur clothing. However, when compared with 2001 data, fewer people today think medical testing on animals and wearing animal fur are "morally acceptable."

Based on field and desk research conducted in 2004 and 2005, this report provides background information on the Chinese fur industry, describing and documenting husbandry and slaughter practices. Includes recommendations.

An estimate of Wisconsin's "furbearer harvest" by licensed trappers is used to document the economic importance of trapping and to assist in the management of furbearer species. Seventy-seven percent of respondents said they trapped during the 2006-07 season. Trappers used a total of 385,000 sets on 685,000 nights during the 2006-07 trapping season. [Summary excerpted from report]

This commentary provided by the Fur Commission USA discusses the 2004 Gallup Values and Beliefs survey, which found that over 60% of Americans support medical testing on animals and the buying and wearing of fur, though differences based on age were noted for opinions on both issues. Opinions were consistent with respect to wearing fur, but older age groups were relatively more accepting of the use of animals in medical research.

Why young consumers make decisions to buy fur and leather goods and how the culture of society influences these purchases are important for retailers to understand the role society plays in setting standards or product acceptance for these items. Survey results show that young consumers have positive attitudes towards both leather and fur. However, when society’s influence is considered, there is a difference between young consumers who are more influenced by society and less influenced by society and their attitudes towards fur. [Excerpted from report.]

An article discussing the opinions of teen girls about animal rights summarizes a survey from Smart Girl Internette about teen attitudes. The survey found that teen girls are conscious of animal issues, though many consider the eating and wearing of animal products as a part of the cycle of life.

Gallup's 2007 Values and Beliefs Survey finds general agreement, but more than one third in disagreement on medical testing on animals, the buying and wearing of fur, and the cloning of animals.