Topic: Bearskin Caps

[Derek]

Please all write to your MP
asking them to sign EDM 1040 introduced 6th March 2007 By Anne Widdecombe MP

BEARSKIN CAPS
06.03.2007


Widdecombe, Ann

That this House recognises that public opinion polls show that almost 70 per cent. of the British population wants the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to stop using real fur for the ceremonial bearskin caps worn by the five guards regiments; notes that these caps have no military significance and involve unnecessary cruelty; and invites the MoD to end their use and substitute hats made from a modern synthetic material.

[Derek]

As you may know, the MoD is still waging a war against black bears. I am writing to you today to continue to ask for your help to stop this unjustifiable cruelty. Canadian black bears are still being cruelly killed and skinned so that they can be made into ceremonial caps for The Queen’s Guards! These beautiful animals are either shot during “sports” hunts or ensnared in painful traps, where they often suffer for days without food or water before they are put out of their misery. During hunts, as many as one in seven bears does not die immediately after being shot. Many bears escape wounded and die later from blood loss or starvation. In some Canadian provinces, it is legal to shoot mother bears who have nursing cubs, which leads to orphaned bears or the slaughter of entire families during hunts. The MoD has done virtually nothing to further its search for synthetic materials to use instead of black bear skins. In fact, when the MoD was presented with a high-tech synthetic material – sourced by PETA and made to the MoD’s own specifications – officials tried to justify not using the material by stating that it “lacks life” and “doesn’t bounce back”. Just like the poor bears! What You Can Do Send a message to Secretary of State Des Browne urging him to find a cruelty-free alternative to the use of fur in The Queen’s Guards’ caps. Support PETA’s vital work by making as generous a donation as you can afford to help us save black bears and other suffering animals. Please help us put an end to this indefensible cruelty, which has gone on for more than two centuries. There are no more excuses for the slaughter of Canadian black bears. Thanks for everything that you do to help animals. They’re counting on us! For all animals, Ingrid E Newkirk Managing Director PETA