In a life-saving victory for animals, California has become the first U.S. state to ban the sale of fur products!
AB 44, which was passed in 2019, took effect Jan. 1 and prohibits selling or making new products — including shoes, handbags, or clothing — using the skins of fur-bearing animals.
The 2-year interim allowed residents and industry professionals to phase out business practices involving the cruel skinning, according to news reports.
“CA has no place for the inhumane & unsustainable treatment of animals,” CA Assemblymaker Laura Friedman, the bill’s author, Tweeted upon passage. “Now for other states to follow in our legacy.”
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 (@LauraFriedmanCA) October 12, 2019
Those who violate the new provisions can face civil penalties, such as fines, according to the legislation.
There are some exemptions to the law. Cow and other animal skins used for leather, taxidermy, fur taken with a hunting license, and animal furs used by Native American tribes or for cited religious purposes will still be allowed.
While legislators were considering the changes, Lady Freethinker (LFT) sent a petition — signed by more than 29,800 — to Gov. Gavin Newsom, advocating for an end to inhumane fur sales.
Thank you so much to everyone who signed our petition!
LFT applauds California for taking this pioneering step to protect fur-bearing animals. We’ll keep doing all we can for all animals everywhere!
