UK Defense Ministry to be sued by PETA Over "Bearskin" Hats Worn by Buckingham Palace Guards

January 11th, 2023

When it comes to advancements in fashion, the ability of faux fur to save lives is its most significant strength. Each year, millions of animals are protected by faux fur because when a brand switches from using real fur to faux, it directly helps to preserve many delicate species. As a result, faux fur is the most environmentally friendly material. In every situation where real fur would be utilised, including stuffed animals, fashion items, and interior design elements like pillows, bedding, and throws; fake fur is seen as an apt substitute.

This is one of the reasons why the UK Ministry of Defense will likely be sued by the animal rights organisation PETA for allegedly breaking its own rules when evaluating the first artificial bear fur for headwear made of bearskin. A lawsuit claimed that by declining to take into account the evaluation or put the fake bear fur on trial using the pertinent standards, the MoD is not working toward eliminating animal cruelty.

Source: Getty Images

The crux of the litigation

Ben Wallace, Secretary of State for Defense, is being sued by PETA, which claims that the MoD pledged to replace the bearskin soon a suitable replacement was discovered. The lawsuit alleged that by refusing to take into account the evaluation or to perform a trial comparing the artificial bear fur to the pertinent standards, the MoD is failing to keep its end of the deal.

Investigating faux fur as a worthy alternative

According to a statement by PETA, ECOPEL made the fake bear fur to replace the bearskin headgear used by the King's Guard. The tall hats worn by ceremonial guards, such as at the Changing of the Guard event outside Buckingham Palace, are made of faux bear. The UK defence ministry was criticised by an animal rights organisation for refusing to test a faux fur alternative to the unique bearskin headgear that ceremonial guards wear. In a case PETA filed against Ben Wallace, secretary of state for defence, PETA claims the MoD had committed to substituting the bearskin when they locate a fitting substitute. The department, however, declined to try a faux fur alternative to the iconic bearskin headgear that ceremonial guards wear.

Image Source: The Animal Reader

The lawsuit claimed that by declining to take into account the evaluation or put the fake bear fur on trial using the pertinent standards, the MoD is not upholding its end of the contract. Black bear fur from Canada is not to be used, according to PETA. A new hat made of shaggy acrylic material was prototyped by the animal rights organisation. “We are seeking the court’s intervention so that the MoD fully evaluates the report and reaches a fresh decision by fair process," PETA’s lawyer Lorna Hackett said.

UK government refuses to switch to faux fur

However, in a statement released earlier this year, the UK government stated that there were "no plans" to switch, adding that the faux fur promoted by PETA, “does not in fact reach the standards needed to provide an effective replacement for our bearskin ceremonial caps." PETA claims that the MoD declined to communicate with the organisation that advocates for animal rights, despite the fact that ECOPEL had offered an infinite supply of free artificial fur until 2030. According to PETA, the idea would spare many bears' lives and save public money.

For the uninitiated, fur is one of the warmest materials available, and with the right type of faux fur, your luxurious fur coats can last a lifetime while still saving lives of animals. Most faux fur accessories can be worn year-round depending on the environment in your area, making artificial fur an even more cost-effective investment for you!