City of Los Angeles To Outlaw Fur Sales

Earlier this afternoon, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously voted to approve drafting an ordinance to ban fur sales in the city.

Other cities such as West Hollywood, Berkeley and San Francisco already have fur bans. However their regulations vary in specifications from city to city. For example, animals that are legally trapped under state law are exempt from the fur trade laws in West Hollywood.

Despite other cities in California beating Los Angeles to the punch, “Los Angeles is one of the fashion capitals of the world, and if we can do it here, we can do it anywhere and hopefully we will be an example for the rest of the country and the rest of the world,” Councilman Pual Koretz said during a news conference near the steps of Los Angeles City Hall before heading into the chamber for the vote.

“The potential fur ban could end up including some exemptions, including furs of animals trapped by California Fish and Game license holders and fur items worn or used for religious purposes, such as fur hats worn by Hasidic Jews on a variety of religious occasions.” (NBC Los Angeles)

The economic effect of this ban is not yet clear as the city does not currently keep track of fur sales. It should be pointed out that this ban would not forbid the sale of used fur products. And let’s face it, banning fur in a city where the average high temperature in December is 68 degrees is not exactly political bravery.

While the proposal now heads to Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti for final approval, with his signature, there would be a two-year phase in period. The decision puts L.A. on track to become the largest city to ban fur.