Just before the Christmas rush kicks in, I’d love to highlight the need for us all to think before we buy clothes and accessories trimmed with anything furry as – at the moment – there are no regulations that compel retailers to declare whether it’s animal or fake fur that trims items such as hats, coats, shawls and accessories such as key rings.

If we’re are not sure, we should feel confident about asking.

Any responsible retailer will be very willing to tell you exactly what it is and, if it is animal fur, will advise what sort of animal the luxury trim came from, tell you exactly how it lived its life, and whether it was killed painlessly and whether its meat was used as food. We shouldn’t be afraid of asking the right questions, as this way we can buy our Christmas furry luxuries with a clear conscience and retailers can sell them with a clear conscience.

Bridget Graham, address supplied