A Perthshire retailer which has come under fire from animal rights campaigners for selling fur, including raccoon, has agreed to examine its policy.
The House of Bruar – which pulled coats made of hamster fur from its store after an earlier outcry – initially defended the policy as giving choice to customers but is now contemplating a change.
Asked for comment on an online petition calling for a halt to selling fur which has now gathered more than 8,000 signatures, Bruar managing director Patrick Birkbeck said: ”We are reviewing the situation.”
He refused to be drawn further into the controversy which blew up in October when the Highland Perthshire family-run independent retailer was attacked by Elisa Allen, a director of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
She described the outlet as one of a dwindling group of retailers who continue to “peddle tasteless items made with fox, rabbit, and raccoon fur”.
She called on them to follow the lead of retailers like Jenners of Edinburgh which do not stock fur items.
PETA’s attention was drawn to the retailer by Sylvia MacDonald from Inverness who stopped at the popular outlet on her way to Aberfeldy.
She said: “I was staggered, I could not believe what I was seeing – raccoon, fox and rabbit coats and jackets.
“I was so angry, I am disgusted that in this day and age that they are selling fur like this in 2017. I will not be returning.”
At the time, Mr Birkbeck pointed out they also sold faux fur to give customers options.
The petition was launched by Julie Newport from Bexhill-on-Sea in Sussex who wants to see the House of Bruar ceasing all fur sales.
She said: “I had hoped that the cruel practice of farming and using animals for their fur had been discredited within this country and with prominent retailers.
“I want to send the clear message that this is not acceptable in today’s society.”
She asked people who agreed with her not to use the matter as an excuse to abuse staff at the House of Bruar.
“This is unfair to the employees and detracts from the aim of this petition,” she said.
