California Becomes The First State In The US To Ban Animal Fur Products
California is set to become the first state in the US which will ban the manufacture, sale, and purchase of the fur of certain wild animals.
Additionally, California has come together with Hawaii and New Jersey in banning various animals for entertainment and circus performances, except for tamed cats, dogs, and horses. Violation of this law can lead to a fine of $25,000.
On October 13th, the governor Gavin Newsom signed a pair of bills. The sale and manufacture of clothes, handbags, belts or shoes with fur are to cease from 2023.
Mr.Newsom stated:
“California is a leader when it comes to animal welfare and today that leadership includes banning the sale of fur.”
This is considered to be a huge step against the inhumane practices towards wild animals, which contribute to their endangerment.
The Ethical Treatment of Animals lauded both new laws, and its vice-president, Tracy Reiman, stated:
“Today is a historic day for animals in California, including those who have been whipped into performing in circuses, or skinned alive for their fur or skin.”
A statement from Humane Society USA said:
“We applaud Gov Newsom and the state’s lawmakers for recognizing that California citizens do not want their state’s markets to contribute to the demand for fur products.”
While the law remains intact, it did face repercussions from the US fur industry.
The fur ban will still allow products used for religious or tribal purposes, as well as the sale of leather, dog and cat fur, cowhides, deer, sheep and goat skin, and any other skin preserved through taxidermy.
Violation of the law might cost a fine of $1000. Fashion designers including Gucci, Versace, and Giorgio Armani have stopped or promised to stop using fur.
Last May, fashion house Prada announced that from its spring-summer 2020 line, it would stop using fur. Plus, the UK’s Selfridges plans to ban the sale of exotic animal skins from February 2020.
According to Cassie King from Direct Action Everywhere, ordinary people want to see the animals safe and protected against inhuman practices. On the other hand, opponents of the law maintain that it will create a black market.
Fur Information Council of America spokesman Keith Kaplan, spokesman for Fur Information Council of America, stated that the legislation is a “radical vegan agenda” trying to control what people should wear or eat.
Sources:
truththeory.com
www.bbc.com
www.theguardian.com
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