California becomes the first state in the United States to ban fur. In a landmark signing on Saturday, governor Gavin Newsom approved a pair of bills that bans the sale and manufacture of new fur products. California also joins New Jersey and Hawaii in banning most animals from circus performances. The law exempts domesticated dogs, cats and horses and does not apply to rodeos.
Exceptions have been made for cowhide, deerskin, sheepskin and goatskin. Which means that shearling is totally fine. Exceptions have also been made for religious observances (shtreimels, the fur hats often worn by Hasidic Jews, can continue to be sold) and other traditional or cultural purposes.
The law will bar residents from selling or making clothing, shoes or handbags with fur, starting in 2023. Animal rights groups cheered the measure as a stand against inhumane practices.
“California is a leader when it comes to animal welfare, and today that leadership includes banning the sale of fur,” Newsom said. “But we are doing more than that. We are making a statement to the world that beautiful wild animals like bears and tigers have no place on trapeze wires or jumping through flames.”
Those found breaking the law could face a fine of $500 (£395) or in repeat cases, $1,000.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals lauded both new laws. “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,” said its vice-president, Tracy Reiman.
This is a great victory for animal activists all over the world. Fur farming has been banned in Serbia, Luxembourg, Norway, Croatia, Macedonia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Japan, Austria, United Kingdom, Belgium. Along with governments, big brands like Michael Kors, Coach, Burberry, Versace, Burberry and Diane von Furstenberg have banned fur as well.
We at LaBante London, PETA approved Vegan brand think it’s absolutely amazing and laud California to be the first state in the USA to ban fur as there are so many amazing technological advances which brings faux fur to very high levels so there should not be any need to create fashion which in any way harms animals.