A pop-up stall holder has had goods removed after it was discovered items containing real fur were being sold.
The trader was reportedly 'mortified' to hear the keyring trinkets being sold were real fur and not fake like they had been assured they were by the wholesaler.
Gloucester city councillors were alerted to the sale of real fur items. They worked with trading standards to have the items removed.
The stall was in The Eastgate shopping centre in the city centre and the stallholder had a three day licence to sell their goods.
Councillor Dawn Melvin (C, Westgate) said: “I am so glad it was spotted what was being sold on the stall.
“I was absolutely appalled when it came to my attention. I immediately contacted our council officers who looked into it extensively with our partners.
“As soon as our partners at the centre became aware of the issue they reacted to it immediately and the goods were removed from sale.
“Sadly the trader who had initially said it was fake when it was in fact real, had no idea, and was mortified.
“None of us in any way endorse such an abhorrent and dreadful practice.
“It makes me feel physically sick that these poor animals are farmed and killed anywhere in the world to produce mere trinkets. The level of cruelty is so vile.
“The retailer maintains it was a genuine mistake as the goods were purchased from a wholesaler that misled her. The wholesalers are being contacted I understand by trading standards.”
The sellers license finished on Sunday August 18 and she then left the site on the third day of trade.
A Gloucestershire Trading Standards spokesperson said: “Trading Standards have received a complaint from a member of the public alleging real fur items are being sold under the wrong description of fake fur.
“The sale of real fur is not illegal but we would remind traders that all goods should be correctly labelled and they will be asked to ensure they are marketed correctly.”
