LOCAL animal welfare groups have a right to be concerned about these "toy" cats found to be made from real fur (Charities slam sale of fur "pets", October 29).

Many of these items are made from rabbit or goat fur but, due to the lack of controls that exist, they could also well be made from real cat or dog fur.

Our office has been inundated with complaints about these gruesome items -- and no wonder.

Irrespective of the particular animal fur used, what is for certain is some form of cruelty will have been involved in their production. The government has recently banned fur farming here because of its cruelty and this lead is already being taken up by a number of other countries.

Much of the rabbit fur used in the UK comes from China -- a country with an appalling record on animal welfare. A recent investigation by a US animal welfare group documented the trade in cat and dog fur originating in China. Evidence was obtained showing dogs being skinned alive for their fur and dogs and cats being reared under appalling conditions. The findings were accepted by the US government, which has now banned the trade in cat and dog fur.

Respect for Animals urges all Bolton Evening News readers to boycott all real fur products, including cat "toys". Fur is cruel and fur products are badges of cruelty. If readers would like more information about the trade in fur please phone 0115 952 5440, or visit our website at www.respectforanimals.org

Richard De Ville

Information Officer

Respect for Animals

Nottingham