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A ban on selling products that include real animal fur on Teignbridge Council land has been agreed.

The policy, unanimously agreed by the council’s ruling executive, would also put the ban in place at council leased markets.

An informal approach is already run by the council at Newton Abbot Market whereby real fur is not allowed to be sold due to the reputational impact on the market.

To date there have been no recorded incidents of real fur products being sold or any traders seeking to sell real fur products, Thursday meeting heard, but the new policy would make traders at Newton Abbot indoor and outdoor markets aware of the ban on real fur and put the onus on traders to be able to demonstrate the legitimacy of the products they are selling.

It follows Newton Abbot Market signing the Real Deal National Markets Charter with Devon, Somerset and Torbay Trading Standards Service earlier this year which reaffirmed that the market and its stallholders are reaffirming their commitment that fake and other illicit goods are not welcome.

The motion had been put forward by Cllr Alistair Dewhirst, which said: “The council recognises the United Kingdom has banned the farming of animals for their fur on ethical grounds since 2000 and the use of one of the most common traps used to catch animals for their fur has also been banned for many years.

“Recognising that real fur is cruel and unnecessary, Teignbridge should prohibits the selling of products containing real animal fur on council owned land, council run markets or council leased markets, including seasonal and Christmas markets). This includes all products wholly or partially made with real fur are covered by this ban and include for example; fur coats, vintage fur, fur shawls, garments with fur trim, fur pompom hats, and fur accessories and trinkets.”

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He added that it was relatively easy to spot and check whether real fur or fake fur had been used, it fits with the e Real Deal National Markets Charter, is something that has been implemented in other locations in the UK, and would have no additional cost to the council.

Cllr Stephen Purser added: “I fully support the ban and it is right and proper we are doing this and it is good there is no financial cost to the council.”

Cllr Nina Jeffries, Portfolio Holder for Business, Economy and Tourism, added: “This will be a welcome ban and it makes sure traders are not involved in the sale of real fur.”

A report Neil Blaney, Economy Manager, to the meeting said: “As with the increase in opportunities for businesses and visitors, if the ban leads to positive coverage it could see more traders operate in our markets, resulting in an increase in income and receipts. There are no known traders likely to be affected by this policy.

“It will ensure that customers are confident that any faux fur products sold at markets linked to the council are genuinely fur free and to supports the campaign against the illegal fur trade.”