California goes fur-free

California has become the first American state to ban the sale and production of animal fur in the federal territory.

On October 12 California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 44, a bill banning the production and sale of fur throughout the state into law. The law will come into effect on January 1, 2023 and will make it illegal to manufacture, sell, offer for sale, display for sale, trade, give donate or otherwise distribute fur as well as items such as clothing, bags, shoes, hats etc. Those who violate the new law could face civil and criminal penalties, including up to six months in jail and/or fines up to $1,000.

'California's groundbreaking new law sounds the death knell for the sickeningly cruel fur industry and marks a major victory for animals, people, and the environment,' Fleur Dawes, Communications Director for In Defense of Animals, said in a statement. 'The enactment of AB 44 reflects the evolving attitudes of compassionate Californians who reject 'fashion' made from tortured animals, and paves the way for other states - and ultimately, the world - to go fur-free.'

The new law reflects the ongoing battle of several fashion houses such as Versace, Stella McCartney, Gucci, Burberry, Prada, Miu Miu, Michael Kors, who have refused to use animal fur for their designs.

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