Investigation shows ‘faux fur’ clothing made with the real thing

Real fur from raccoons and East Asian raccoon dogs is being passed off as fake fur and sold in two Melbourne markets, prompting authorities to investigate.

Forensic tests found stalls at Queen Victoria and South Melbourne markets are selling clothes and other items labelled as 100 per cent acrylic or polyester or faux fur when they were in fact real.

The majority of the falselylabelled items come from China.

Animal Justice MP and crossbencher Andy Meddick teamed up with animal welfare organisation Four Paws Australia to collect 12 items from the markets.

They were sent for forensic testing at Forensic Science and

Wildlife Matters and shown to yesterday.

Among the items was a furtrimmed jacket labelled as 100 per cent polyester, but testing confirmed the hairs were from a raccoon or raccoon dog. Another item, a pink beanie labelled 100 per cent acrylic, was also made with raccoon fur. One item did contain rabbit fur – an ‘‘I heart Aus’’ koala bag tag – but this was not labelled.

Under Australian consumer law, it is unlawful to make false or misleading representations about products. Offences carry a maximum penalty of A$500,000 (NZ$530,000) for individuals and more than A$10 million for companies.

A government spokeswoman said Consumer Affairs Victoria will ‘‘make inquiries into this issue and work with Meddick to investigate further.

‘‘Consumer Affairs Victoria will undertake marketplace inspections where required to ensure trader obligations under the Australia

Consumer Law are being adhered to,’’ she added.

Meddick is calling on the state government to ban the sale of fur.

‘‘Victoria could lead the way and become the first state in Australia to ban the sale of cruelty fur product. Fashion has evolved past it – even the Queen has gone fur-free,’’ he said.

Earlier this month, Buckingham Palace announced Queen Elizabeth II will buy only faux fur pieces for her personal wardrobe going forward, while several fashion houses, including Gucci and Prada, have committed to going fur-free.

Meddick said animals in the fur trade are subjected to ‘‘unimaginable cruelty’’ and can be killed through gassing, anal or vaginal electrocution, have their necks broken, be skinned alive or bludgeoned to death.

‘‘These cruel products have no place in our state,’’ he said.

State Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien said the reports were horrifying.

NINE Some of Melbourne’s top markets are secretly selling fur items made from raccoon and raccoon dogs – which are often farmed under shocking conditions overseas – prompting calls for a state government crackdown.