Fur Apparel Sales Are Now Illegal In West Hollywood
What’s the Latest Development?
This month, two years after its city council passed the ordinance, California’s West Hollywood became the first city in the US, and possibly the entire world, to officially ban fur sales within its borders. The law applies to “apparel that’s made to be worn, such as shoes, hats and gloves that contain any fur.” Leather goods can still be sold, as well as used fur such as that found in secondhand stores.
What’s the Big Idea?
The new law follows in a long tradition of animal rights initiatives passed by West Hollywood officials, including a ban on declawing cats that inspired several other California cities to follow suit. Supporters of the ban, including mayor pro tempore John D’Amico, cite studies from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and other organizations that they say prove fur cannot be produced ethically. Meanwhile, although the many high-end retailers in the area say they will follow the law, they worry that they will lose business to nearby Hollywood and Beverly Hills. One gown designer has already closed shop and is in the process of moving to New York, partially because of the ban.
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