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California is the first state to ban the sale and manufacture of new fur products and the third to ban most animals from circus performances.
Under a pair of bills signed this weekend by the governor, Gavin Newsom, the law refrains residents from selling or making pieces in the US state from 2023.
The billion-dollar US fur industry objected to the proposal, with the Fur Information Council of America already threatening to sue.
California’s new legislation follows pre-existing bans on sales of fur in Los Angeles and San Fransisco.
Newsom explained: “California is a leader when it comes to animal welfare, and today that leadership includes banning the sale of fur.”
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“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.”
The ban doesn’t include used products or those made for religious or trial reasons and excludes the sale of leather, dog and cat fur, cowhides, deer, sheep and goat skin, as well as taxidermy, according to the Guardian.
The US retail fur industry made $1.5 billion (£1.2 billion) in 2014, but under the new California law, there will be a fine of up to $1,000 (£797) for multiple violations.
California’s new law against circuses that include live animals mean that people could face up to $25,000 (£19,900) for each violation.
From: BAZAAR UK
