An animal rights group has applauded Birmingham City Council for ditching fur-lined ceremonial robes.
Former mayor John Lines was one of 17 civic heads contacted by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals over the use of ermine and other pelts.
Now the authority has given an assurance none of the three black and gold robes contain fur – and there are no plans to use the controversial lining.
Coun Lines said: “Fur-lined robes, and I don’t know if it was ermine, fox or whatever, were replaced by Birmingham Council in the early 1980s, with the originals handed to a museum.”
In a statement, Birmingham Council said: “Because Birmingham is a city, we have a Lord Mayor who is given the privilege of wearing black and gold robes rather than red robes which are worn by mayors of towns.
‘‘Therefore we do not have robes anymore which with have fur on them.”
PETA has welcomed the response and slated local authorities which continue with real fur.
Ben Williams, for the organisation, said: “The overwhelming majority of the British public is opposed to the use of real fur.
‘‘In fact, a recent poll indicates that 95 per cent of Britons refuse to wear it.
“So strong is our moral objection to gassing, drowning and electrocuting animals and ripping the skin off their backs that Parliament passed an act banning fur farming more than a decade ago.
‘‘For council leaders to wear fur-trimmed robes not only goes against British values but also diminishes the meaning of the ban,” Mr Williams added.
