Page 16 - May2008

May 2008 THE NATIONAL 'BuTTon BULLETIN 69

Fox and koala bear head with glass eyes, plastic
applied nose OMEs. Purported to be
dog and cat fur. Made in China.

Domestic Dog and Cat -
A Disturbing Fur

In some countries, primarily Asia, an
estimated 2 million domestic dogs and cats are currently being slaughtered
for their leather and fur for the manufacture of clothing and small novel-
ties. The domestic animal leather enters the US. easily when it is purposely
mislabeled with non-animal fur names such as "raccoon dog:' rabbit,
coyote, wild dog, wolf, etc. The US. Dog and Cat Protection Act of 2000 has
prevented most fur trimmed articles from entering this country, but but-
tons and small novelties may be currently entering the US. via button deal-
ers who import directly from China or from other countries who still allow
importation of domestic animal products (Taiwan, the Philippines, Canada,
Europe). Hide products of marine mammals and other protected animal
species have also been banned in the United States and are illegal to own.
The most common dog and cat hide buttons from the late 90s are small
fur-covered realistic animal heads or full bodies with glass eyes and plastic
noses. Since the government ban and strict customs inspections, these real-
istic fur buttons have become quite scarce. Despite bans and restrictions, it
is possible that new domestic animal leather realistics are being offered by
uninformed dealers at button shows who import directly from overseas.
Before purchasing new leather or fu r buttons which are not labeled
as to country of origin or animal species, consider asking dealers for this
information so you are not unknowingly supporting this illegal market.
More information on all banned species and the domestic dog and cat
hide novelties is available on the Internet and from the US. government.

From Leather to Button ...
The preceding pages of this article have given you an overview of the Wonderful
World of Leather. This versatile material has inspired buttonmakers through
the centuries. The creative and masterful uses of it are what you want to look for
when collecting leather buttons. The following section illustrates techniques listed
in the materials sections of the Classification which are also applicable to leather.
When writing an award for leather, the assortment should include construction
and design techniques as well as a variety of leather types.