The beginning of every year marks the end of many things. However, it also symbolizes the birth of many other things such as new laws that have been passed. This year is no different, as many policies have been passed in California that may have a great effect on a lot of people.
One of these new regulations is the prohibition of the sale and manufacturing of new animal fur products throughout the state. This would make California the first state to initiate a fight against the fur trade within its borders.
The bill was passed in 2019 after receiving a massive amount of support from local, national, and international and international organizations that specialize in animal protection. The bill was led by assemblymember Laura Friedman and received sponsorship from the Animal Hope in Legislation and the Humane Society of the United States.
The law was passed in an effort to combat animal cruelty. This is best summed up by Fridman’s comments in which she said, “Californians do not want to see animals live and die in cruel ways for nothing more than fashion…’’
It’s evident that the main intention of the bill is to reduce animal casualties and promote other alternatives for animal fur products. It is estimated that around 100 million animals are killed in fur factory farms every year in order to produce clothing such as coats and hats.
Four cities within California have passed similar regulations in the last 10 years. Across the United States, 12 cities have passed anti-fur trade policies which include five in Massachusetts alone. Meanwhile, in 2021 Israel banned the practice nationwide and became the first country to do so. This is all part of a collective effort to improve animal welfare and will only grow stronger in the coming years.
Rialto High School senior Daniel Munoz who is an owner of two pets said he was very “happy” that the bill has been enacted as he couldn’t “fathom’’ his pets being utilized for such a “cruel practice.’’
This new legislation will have massive ramifications on the fur industry as the retail sales of fur garments totaled just over $574 million according to an Economic Census. New York and California made up about 43% of the sales alone.
It is important to note that the law will only apply to new fur products and will not be valid against fur products that are sold at pawn shops or thrift stores.
All in all, people are uniting in order to fight for the safety of animals.
________________________________________________________________________
