Last year, many main-stream brands openly cast aside the use of aminal fur, with the city of Los Angeles even banning the sale of it altogether. However, just twelve months on and the whole state of California is looking to follow suit. Interestingly, the passing of this new law has made the West Coast state the first in the US to ban the sale of animal fur products.
The bill was authored by state assemblymaker Laura Friedman, and signed into legislation by Governor Gavin Newsom last Friday. As for how this law will be applied, from the 1st of January, 2023, the law will render the sales, donation, or manufacturing of new fur products illegal. However, the legislation does exempt from its scope used fur and taxidermy products, furs used for religious purposes or by Native American tribes as well as leather, shearling, and cowhide. Furthermore, furs that have been lawfully obtained via hunting – with the individual needing to provide an official license – will also be permitted.
However, this isn’t the only win for animal-rights activists, in fact, Newsom also signed an array of other bills that are designed to minimize animal cruelty. For example, one law now in place will see the banning of certain animals in circuses.
Today CA made history – #AB44 was signed into law! After decades of efforts from animal welfare advocates, we are now the first state in the nation to ban fur. CA has no place for the inhumane & unsustainable treatment of animals. Now for other states to follow in our legacy. pic.twitter.com/1WVtz517ig
— Laura Friedman (@laurafriedman43) 12 October 2019
