Groundbreaking Bill Could Make California First Fur-Free State

This week, California assembly member Laura Friedman introduced the California State Fur Ban (A44). Sponsored by organizations Animal Hope in Legislation (AHL), Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation (AHWF) and The Humane Society of the United States, the new bill proposes a statewide ban on the sale and manufacturing of new fur items and would impose civil penalties on those in violation. “California is one of the most progressive states in the country and a world leader in animal welfare,” Friedman said. “Given the overwhelming evidence of inhumane practices in the fur industry and the availability of so many different options for warm and fashionable fabrics, we will not continue to be complicit in unnecessary cruelty towards animals solely for the sake of fur.” In recent years, several California cities have passed similar bans, including Berkeley, West Hollywood, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, and fashion labels (such as Gucci, Versace, and most recently, Chanel) have pledged to cease using fur in future collections. “As a culture, a people, and a community grounded in compassion, California is ready to go fur-free,” AHL and AHWF founder Marc Ching said. “Products that encompass such suffering have no place here.”