Berkeley Prohibits Fur Sales Citywide

Last Tuesday, Berkeley City Council members voted to ban all fur sales within Berkeley city limits. The new legislation—sponsored by councilman Kriss Worthington—comes after an intensive campaign by animal-rights groups Berkeley Coalition for Animals (BCA) and rallies against fur sales organized by a local chapter of advocacy group Direct Action Everywhere. “This brutal industry is radically inconsistent with Berkeley’s values,” BCA’s founding member Jay Quigley said. Other animal-rights organizations, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), have praised Berkeley for taking a step against animal suffering. “Berkeley’s new fur ban will prevent many animals from being beaten, electrocuted, and even skinned alive for coats, collars, cuffs, and stupid little pom-poms,” PETA’s President Ingrid Newkirk said. “PETA hopes the city’s progressive example will inspire others across the country to take similar steps to protect animals.” Berkeley is the second city in the country— after West Hollywood’s 2013 ban—to pass legislation that makes fur sales illegal.