Following San Fransisco’s ban on the sale of fur earlier this year, Los Angeles is now banning the sale of fur. On Tuesday, the LA City Council unanimously voted in favour of the motion to ban the sale of fur and its manufacture by 2020. This will make Los Angeles the largest city in the United States to have a fur-free future.
This move also follows San Fran, West Hollywood, and Berkeley in Cali. West Hollywood was one of the first in the nation, implementing the ban back in 2013.
Retailers have the next two years to sell existing inventories – handbags, coats, other clothing items and accessories. The official policy will be put in motion by the city’s attorney next week. The council also need to decide whether the policy will include the use fur in religious practices, such as fur hats worn by Hasidic Jews.
“This is L.A. taking a stand and saying we will no longer be complicit in the inhumane and vile fur trade that’s been going on for years,” said council member Bob Blumenfield, who introduced the motion. “We’re trying to set an example for the rest of the state and the rest of the country.”
PETA, the organisation of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, rallied outside LA’s city hall – a statement was read: “Today’s decision was a powerful one. When Los Angeles speaks, the world listens, and it’s now the largest and most notable city to tell the world that ‘fur is dead’.”
Los Angeles holds one of the largest fashion districts in the world, with about 4,000 apparel outlets in its Downtown area. Designers including Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Burberry, Versace and others have already pledged to go fur-free.