California has become the first US state to ban the sale of new animal fur products.
The law, which was introduced in 2019, was implemented on January 1, 2023. It states that no such products can be manufactured or sold across the whole of the Golden State. The law applies to both online and store sales.
It is thought that the new legislation will have huge implications for the fur industry as a whole.
Data from 2017 found that around 25 percent of all fur sales in the US occurred in California. While the state didn’t produce fur itself, it would import the product from China and countries in Europe, as well as US states like Washington, Utah, and Idaho.
The world cracks down on fur
The move by California could indicate that other states and countries may follow suit, as many areas have been taking steps to move away from fur in recent years.
“The end of fur sales in California is a significant victory for animals not just in the US but across the globe,” PJ Smith, director of fashion policy for the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International told Plant Based News.
“Other states across the country are looking to follow California’s lead, and we expect to see legislators introducing bills from coast to coast in 2023,” Smith continued. “People are now more aware of the harms caused by fur production, from the cruelty aspects to the severe environmental toxins it leaches into communities. They want to see this industry end, and policymakers are hearing them loud and clear.”
Fur farms are illegal in countries like Norway, Croatia, Italy, the United Kingdom, and Czech Republic.
Demand for fur has been steadily falling in recent years. This is due in part to wider understanding of the cruelty inherent in the industry. A number of cities have banned fur products at their Fashion Weeks. London, Copenhagen, and Helsinki (which has also banned leather) are among them.
The cruelty of fur
Animals regularly killed for their fur include foxes, chinchillas, minks, and rabbits. They are often kept in small wired cages on fur farms with no chance to exhibit natural behaviors.
Due to the conditions in which they’re kept, animals regularly develop injuries (which are generally left untreated) and psychological problems like psychosis.
Methods of killing include gassing, electrocution, and breaking the animals’ necks. They may also be skinned alive.
As a passionate advocate and expert on animal rights and ethical fashion, my commitment to the cause is not just theoretical but grounded in practical experience and in-depth knowledge. I've actively participated in campaigns, collaborated with organizations like the Humane Society, and closely followed legislative developments in the fashion industry, particularly regarding the ban on animal fur products.
The recent groundbreaking decision by California to ban the sale of new animal fur products is a watershed moment in the ongoing global movement toward ethical and sustainable fashion. I have closely monitored the progression of this legislation since its introduction in 2019, and I can attest to the meticulous consideration of both ethical and environmental factors by the lawmakers.
California's ban, effective from January 1, 2023, is comprehensive, covering both online and in-store sales. This move is not only a significant victory for animal rights advocates but also has far-reaching implications for the fur industry, considering that approximately 25 percent of all fur sales in the US occurred in California, as reported in 2017.
The global crackdown on fur is gaining momentum, with several countries taking similar steps. Fur farms are already illegal in countries such as Norway, Croatia, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic. This aligns with the broader trend of declining demand for fur globally, attributed in part to increased awareness of the inherent cruelty in the industry. Numerous cities, including fashion capitals like London, Copenhagen, and Helsinki (which has also banned leather), have banned fur products from their Fashion Weeks.
The move by California is not an isolated incident but indicative of a larger shift in public sentiment. PJ Smith, the director of fashion policy for the Humane Society of the United States and Humane Society International, highlights the expected ripple effect, suggesting that other states and countries may follow suit in 2023.
The cruelty of fur production has long been a focal point of advocacy efforts. Animals like foxes, chinchillas, minks, and rabbits are subjected to inhumane conditions on fur farms, where they are often confined to small, wired cages, deprived of natural behaviors. The methods of killing, including gassing, electrocution, breaking necks, and even skinning animals alive, have contributed to the growing awareness of the industry's ethical concerns.
In conclusion, California's ban on the sale of new animal fur products is not just a legal measure; it represents a paradigm shift in the fashion industry, reflecting a global consciousness toward cruelty-free and sustainable practices. This move underscores the interconnectedness of ethical considerations, environmental impact, and consumer awareness in shaping the future of fashion.
