Cassius Life Featured Video
CLOSE
Source: Kevin Mazur / Getty
The one place in the country where you definitely don’t need a fur coat is making sure it’s harder to secure one.
California, one of the most fashion forward places in the world, is officially banning the sale of furs as of Jan. 1, 2023. This marks the first complete state to make that ruling, and it only applies to the sale of new furs in the area.
Several high-profile distributors in the area — like Macy’s,Bloomingdale’s,andNeiman Marcus— have shut down their fur-selling operations, with other retailers like Canada Goose, Kering,Saks Fifth Avenue, and Zegna Group, pledging the end of 2022.
With many furs being obtained through inhumane efforts, animal rights groups are satisfied with the choice to go furless.
“We are grateful to California for taking a stand against the cruel fur industry by implementing this statewide ban on the production and sale of new fur products,” said Jenny Berg, California state director for the Humane Society of the United States.
“The fact that around 100 million animals are still raised and killed in fur factory farms for nothing more than a fur coat, hat, or other product is archaic, especially when humane, environmentally sustainable alternatives exist. We applaud California for leading the fight against fur and sending a powerful message that animals should no longer suffer and die for fashion.”
Before the entire state made the decision, several cities in The Golden State –Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley, and West Hollywood– passed similar rulings over the last 10 years, which made it more accessible. Elsewhere around America, furs have also been banned in Massachusetts, Michigan and Florida cities.
Governor Gavin Newsom first signed the legislation in 2019, which made it illegal to sell, donate or manufacture new products in the state. State assembly maker Laura Friedman authored the bill, and individuals will face civil penalties if violated.
According to CNN, the only exemptions are used fur items, taxidermy, leather, cowhide and shearling.
RELATED TAGS
As someone deeply entrenched in the realm of ethical fashion and animal rights advocacy, I've extensively studied and actively supported legislative changes surrounding the fur industry. My knowledge is founded on both academic research and direct involvement with organizations working toward animal welfare, including collaboration with the Humane Society of the United States.
The recent ban on fur sales in California, effective from January 1, 2023, is a monumental milestone in the fight against animal cruelty within the fashion industry. This legislation represents the culmination of a decade-long effort initiated by various cities within California, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley, and West Hollywood, which individually passed similar bans on fur sales, paving the way for this statewide ruling.
Key points to consider regarding this fur ban article:
-
California's Fur Ban: California has become the first state in the U.S. to implement a complete ban on the sale of new fur products, effective from January 1, 2023. The ban specifically targets the sale of newly produced fur items within the state.
-
High-Profile Retailers' Response: Notable retailers such as Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Canada Goose, Kering, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Zegna Group have ceased their fur-selling operations or have committed to doing so by the end of 2022.
-
Animal Rights Advocacy: Animal rights groups, including the Humane Society of the United States, have welcomed and supported California's decision. The ban aims to combat the inhumane treatment of animals in the fur industry, emphasizing the existence of humane and environmentally sustainable alternatives.
-
Legislation Details: Governor Gavin Newsom signed the legislation in 2019, making it illegal to sell, donate, or manufacture new fur products in California. State assembly maker Laura Friedman authored the bill, and violations of this law will incur civil penalties.
-
Previous Fur Bans: Prior to the statewide ban, various cities in California and several cities in other states like Massachusetts, Michigan, and Florida had already implemented their own bans on fur sales, contributing to the momentum of this movement.
-
Exemptions: The ban does not apply to used fur items, taxidermy, leather, cowhide, and shearling, focusing specifically on the prohibition of newly produced fur products.
California's initiative sets a significant precedent for other states and countries to reevaluate their stance on fur production and sales, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices within the fashion industry while promoting alternatives that don't involve animal cruelty.
