According to recent figures released by the Ministry of Defence, the bearskin headgear worn by the soldiers stationed outside Buckingham Palace now cost more than £2,000 each. This marks a significant price surge of 30% within just one year and has caught the attention of animal welfare activists. These ceremonial caps are made from the fur of black bears, hunted exclusively in Canada. The Ministry of Defence has spent more than a million pounds on this trademark item in recent years.
Animal welfare advocates from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) have expressed their protest against using real fur, and they claim that this has turned into both an ethical and a financial matter. The significant cost of the fur caps and the extravagant expenditure of taxpayer money on such items prompted PETA to request a detailed breakdown of the costs. The Ministry of Defence responded to these inquiries and cited “contractual arrangements” for the considerable increase in prices.
While PETA is pushing for alternative materials that are ethical, the Ministry of Defence said that any alternative to bear fur must satisfy “safety and durability considerations.” They have been testing the feasibility of fake fur but have not yet found a material that can meet all the necessary criteria.
The new price of the bearskin caps is yet to receive widespread appreciation among people. The recent viewing of this item’s financial value has encouraged people to find eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives. Meanwhile, many traditionalists are defending the use of bear fur, stating that the caps are sturdy and retain their appearance for military ceremonies. Nonetheless, other animal welfare organizations and some lawmakers are calling for an immediate review of the possible alternatives to bear fur, taking into account costs and contracts
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