PETA Is Untangling the Web of Lies Spun by the MoD
Today, PETA “spiders” were outside the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) headquarters in London to highlight the web of lies that defence minister Ben Wallace has spun around the suitability of the faux bear fur that we have helped create to replace the bearskins used for the Queen’s Guard’s caps.
Although the faux fur matches the exact length of real bear fur, performs similarly in “water shedding” tests, and is 100% waterproof, the MoD disingenuously claims that no suitable non-animal alternative is available.
Where Do the Ornamental Headpieces Actually Come From?
The MoD is also misleading the public about the killing of the bears whose skin is used for the caps.
PETA’s research has revealed no evidence that the skins of black bears come from Canadian government-sanctioned “culls”, as peddled by the MoD. When we submitted a Freedom of Information request to the ministry for details to back up its claim, it was forced to admit that it doesn’t have a clue about its bear fur supply chain.
Those who kill the bears are, in fact, doing so for “fun” and for profit. You can read more about the issue here.
We’ve untangled the web of lies in a thoroughly fact-checked response to help the UK public – and all those opposed to fur – understand the truth.
The MoD Is Out of Style
Wallace has a long history of actively opposing any switch to faux fur for the caps.
In a desperate attempt to cling to its cruel traditions, the MoD is rejecting the faux bear fur – despite never having placed a cap made from the fabric on a single guard’s head.
Yet here we are in 2022, and the world’s most celebrated and accomplished designers and luxury brands have all said no to real fur, including Calvin Klein, Burberry, Vivienne Westwood, and Tommy Hilfiger. And the majority of mainstream retailers , including AllSaints and ASOS, are also fur-free.
If they can do it, so can the MoD.
The UK Doesn’t Want Fur – Make Your Voice Heard
In January, along with PETA friend Alesha Dixon, we launched a government petition, which will trigger a parliamentary debate if it reaches 100,000 signatures. This will restore the power to the public to demand a modern, humane alternative that would save taxpayers money and spare bears’ lives.
Add your name today and ask your friends to do so, too. Every signature counts:
