Image via Markus Spiske – Unsplash
“Fur Is Murder” was and is an oft quoted saying within the world of animal rights activists. Just look at what supergiant PETA has accomplished in their efforts to stop animal cruelty. In a massive victory, the state of California in the US will ban all sales of clothes, shoes or bags with fur. This new law was signed by Governor Gavin Newsome on October the 12th and will go into effect 2023.
The new California law does not include the use of leather and other animal hides, however. Nor will this ban extend to those furs used in religious or tribal practices.There will also be fees for anyone found breaking these laws – up to $1,000 USD for repeat offenders!
The Office of Governer Newsome shared in a statement on the 12th of October:
“California is a leader when it comes to animal welfare and today that leadership includes banning the sale of fur,” said Governor Newsom. “But we are doing more than that. We are making a statement to the world that beautiful wild animals like bears and tigers have no place on trapeze wires or jumping through flames. Just YouTube the videos showing the cruel way these animals – often stripped from their mothers as babies – are trained to do dangerous tricks. It’s deeply disturbing.”
Statement via Office of the Governor
The full bill, called SB- 313 Animals: prohibition in circuses can be read in full online. Many hope that this act will spur other states to follow suit and ban not only the use of fur but also the use of animals in circuses. While many will debate upon whether or not this is a good move, I think everyone can agree that the right to live is universal.
