Retail Brands Not A Raccoon Dog's Best Friend

Never heard of a raccoon dog? Well, you may be sitting near one on your next visit to the theater or your favorite posh restaurant. Apparently, some major retail brands used raccoon dog fur in their products and then mislabeled them. Yes, that fake fur just might be real.

The Humane Society has brought a lawsuit against retail stores such as Saks, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, and Neiman Marcus, who wrongfully labeled raccoon dog fur as faux fur or imitation fur on retail items, trimmings, and jackets. A raccoon dog is a part of the canid species, which belongs to the family that includes foxes, wolves, and dogs. The Humane Society is outraged and has filed a lawsuit against the retail brands.

The lawsuit has resulted in a settlement that stipulates retailers must only sell fur-trimmed products that have full descriptive labels regarding what type of fur it is. The retailers will also endorse federal legislation to prevent the sale of fur that does not have a defined origin; also, the retailers agreed to improve their advertising policies.

Advertising real fur as faux fur items has caused a controversy that could cost Neiman Marcus $25,000. Lord & Taylor and Saks have both settled; up next is Macy’s.

Obviously the implications for these brands could be dire. The issue of fur is a hot topic that people have strong feelings about, and now consumers must decide on how they personally will react to the controversy and its resolution.

Is this a case of forgive and forget, or is it more serious?