Roadkill hat maker says death threats are just not fur

James Faulkner says he has been wrongly targeted.

A campaign against milliner James Faulkner also saw his studio inspected by environmental health officers after an apparently malicious tip-off that he was "butchering animals in his basement".

The 28-year-old, who lives in Leith, said he was scared to go out alone after the barrage of "at least 30" threatening e-mails.

The award-winning designer believes he was targeted after being wrongly linked with a hat made out of a fox that was worn by a spectator at Cheltenham Ladies' Day.

Would you be tempted to buy a fashion accessory made from roadkill? Vote here

Mr Faulkner, who runs JRF Rogue Milliner, said: "I got a barrage of threats. Animal activists told me I was an 'animal killer', an 'animal murderer' and they said I 'deserved to die'. I was in a complete state because I am an ethical milliner and I would never use an animal in my work that had been killed for vanity. I am not a Cruella de Vil character.

"When environmental health showed up I was in shock. They said they had heard that I was butchering animals in the basement, which I found utterly horrifying.

"I use feathers and furs that have been taken from animals that have died on the road or from the butchers, but never from a fur farm. Everything is ethically sourced and I know where everything comes from."

A council spokeswoman confirmed that workers visited Mr Faulkner's Dundas Street studio on Thursday and found no evidence to support the allegations of animal cruelty.

She said: "We have visited these premises and have no concerns relating to animal welfare or public health."

The designer, who revealed his latest collection of 21 hats at the Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show at the weekend, feared he might not be able to take part due to the harassment.

He said: "A year ago I was delighted to receive a Positive Impact Award for my work. I would hope they wouldn't give one of those to somebody who was cruel to animals.

"I had never had a single complaint before Thursday, then suddenly I had in excess of 30 e-mails and my clients were worried about wearing their hats. The fashion show organisers said that if I was too controversial they would have to think twice about using me. I thought I was ruined."

Libby Anderson, policy director at OneKind, said it was unacceptable to threaten and intimidate Mr Faulkner.

She said: "We think it is important that people respect the views of others, even if they don't agree with them. We would never advocate violence or abusive behaviour.

"If people are going to react to something, it is important that they know all of the facts."