California has become the first state to ban the sale, donation, and manufacture of clothing, shoes, or handbags with animal fur. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the new bill on Friday, October 11, 2019, and it will go into effect on January 1, 2023. The new legislation was signed along with a bill that bans most animals from use in circuses and follows another bill signed by Governor Newsom banning fur trapping in the state. In a statement, Governor Newsom stated, “California is a leader when it comes to animal welfare, and today that leadership includes banning the sale of fur. 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.” There are exemptions, however. The fur ban does not apply to the sale of leather, dog and cat fur, cowhides, deer, sheep, and goat skin. Other exclusions include used fur and taxidermy, as well as fur products used for religious reasons and products used by Native American tribes. The California cities of Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley, and West Hollywood have already signed similar fur bans into law. Advocacy groups, such as Direct Action Everywhere, are hopeful that California’s fur ban will spark action and that cities nationwide will pass similar legislation.
