Macy's has been selling a coat made from genuine animal fur while advertising it as a faux version, outraged representatives from the U.S. Humane Society charged Friday.

The animal protection group said that its investigation of a $237.99 Sean John "hooded snorkel jacket" revealed the item advertised on the Macy's website was made from "genuine raccoon fur" and not the "imitation rabbit fur" described on the site.

The allegations arose after the group purchased the garment and saw labels showing the item was made in China and its collar was made from "genuine raccoon fur."

Whether the type of animal fur used is actually raccoon fur is under investigation, the Humane Society said. Tests are being done to see if the fur comes from a raccoon dog, which is indigenous in China and hunted for its coat said to resemble raccoon fur.

Federated Department Stores Inc., which owns Macy's, said in an e-mail statement to Reuters that the retailer has a policy against selling dog or cat fur, and that any "inappropriate or inaccurately" labelled products would be pulled from its stores and website.

The company added it has launched an investigation into the Humane Society's claims.
Earlier this week, the group made similar accusations against garments sold by Burlington Coat Factory, which promptly removed the advertisements and offered refunds to customers.