According to the statistics of the International Organization for the Protection of Animals, 8 million pieces of animal fur are traded in the world every year, and there are more than 30 million fur producing animals in animal farms around the world. Because of the need for fur, there are also many kinds of artificial fur in production.

Fur refers to the leather with fur of animals. It is generally used for making cold resistant clothing, but also for clothing decoration. Some animal protection organizations think it is inhumane and organize boycott activities against fur clothing. In 2000, the United States issued a law prohibiting the import, export and trade of cat and dog fur to protect pets.