The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have been a proud part of Canada’s heritage since its formation in 1873. The bright red Norfolk jacket, brown leather belt, and riding boots are all easily recognizable attributes of the RCMP, and when the wrath of winter decides to show itself, the iconic fur hat tops off a RCMP officer’s uniform.
For years, animal rights activists have protested against this fur hat and have campaigned for the RCMP to opt for a more sustainable and animal-friendly choice. Finally, at the beginning of this October, it appeared that their wishes would finally be granted.
Earlier this month, the RCMP announced that they intended to go from wearing their traditional muskrat fur hats during the winter to wearing a wool hat. The wool hat would become part of the standard winter uniform for officers while the fur hat would be reserved for use only in extreme conditions.
This decision has absolutely delighted animal rights activists. Activists that have been tirelessly petitioning for this change support the RCMP’s proposition wholeheartedly.
The typical fur hat worn by a Mountie requires about three muskrat pelts. Anti-fur advocates contend that the trapping of these animals is utterly inhumane, claiming that after being caught, the animals suffer under harsh conditions such as exposure to the elements and dehydration prior to their deaths. The RCMP’s decision to discontinue with their fur hats would address the animal cruelty concerns that have been shadowing the task force for decades.
However, the RCMP’s decision has outraged the Conservative government and the government is taking action to overturn this decision that they see as being absurd.
The government argues that the fur trade is an integral part of Canada’s rich heritage and that taking away the force’s fur hats would endanger the fur trade tradition and community. In addition, government officials say that the RCMP’s decision could potentially put many Canadians’ livelihoods at stake, with over 70,000 Canadians depending on the fur trading industry for employment.
Moreover, Conservatives say that they have taken the necessary precautionary measures to ensure that their trapping is sustainable and will not pose a stark threat to the muskrat populations.
There have been multiple takes on this story. Some support the Mounties’ decision and say that it is about time that they addressed the concerns of animal rights. Others say that the force has just caved under the pressures of anti-fur activists and in trying to appease them, the RCMP is only putting fellow Canadian hunters and trappers at risk.
Should the RCMP stick by their decision to transition to wearing wool hats? Should the government be able to interfere with the decision that the Mounties have made? Is it really just a fur hat that is at the centre of this debate or is it more than that?
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