5:00pm UK, Wednesday December 21, 2005

A Sky News investigation has uncovered what appears to be the appalling treatment of animals being killed for their fur in China.

The footage captured terrible conditions in which animals were being kept and also showed animals being skinned while still alive.

180 animal cruelty dog in China fur trade

Sky News footage

China is fast-becoming one of the world's biggest fur exporters.

The authorities tried to prevent the Sky News team keeping the footage because of fears the world will learn what is happening to the animals.

It also comes at a time when fur is making a comeback over here.

Recent protests by campaigners have targeted fur-wearing celebrities like Jennifer Lopez.

One of the leading voices attempting to ban cat and dog fur imports to the EU from China is campaigner Heather Mills McCartney.

The wife of Sir Paul McCartney, who has said he will not tour in China until there is a change in the fur trade, has been influential in drumming up more support on the issue.

Celebrities including Eddie Murphy, Phil Collins, Elton John, George Michael and Brian Wilson have demanded a ban on the trade.

They are among many to have written to Tony Blair to ask for him to introduce an EU ban on cat and dog fur.

Britain currently holds the presidency for the EU, which has lead to more pressure being applied on Downing Street.