WASHINGTON, 7 MAY 2015 – Apparel brand Andrew Marc has settled a civil contempt suit with Fur Free Alliance member organization The Humane Society of the United States after an investigation revealed raccoon dog fur violations. The investigation uncovered that the brand continued to sell raccoon dog fur despite a court order prohibiting it after March 2013, in addition to violating the Fur Products Labeling Act.

Under the settlement, Andrew Marc will pay The HSUS $25,000 in investigation costs and legal fees, certify that it will never again sell fur from raccoon dogs and be obligated to pay additional damages if it breaches the agreement in the future.  Ralph Henry, Deputy Director for Animal Protection Litigation at The HSUS, issued the following statement:

“We are pleased with the terms of this settlement, which holds Andrew Marc accountable for continuing to sell raccoon dog fur-trimmed coats despite its prior agreement to stop. While the production of animal fur inherently involves suffering, and we urge companies to go completely fur-free, the killing of raccoon dogs for their fur has been repeatedly shown to be among the worst of the worst. The HSUS will continue to aggressively pursue fur vendors who ignore their legal and contractual obligations to protect both animals and consumers.” 

The HSUS’ contempt suit also included retailers Saks, Inc. and Lord & Taylor. Proceedings against those defendants will continue, with a hearing set in June.