California is first US state to ban animal fur

A statewide ban on the production and sale of animal fur products officially went into effect in California on January 1, 2023.

With the enactment of the law Assembly Bill 44, California became the first state in America to ban animal fur.

To this day, a hundred million animals are being killed each year for the fashion industry, as reported by PETA. Especially in California and New York, the sales of fur were enormously high. But over the years, vegan alternatives have become increasingly popular.

Although the law does not apply to already used or sold products and only focuses on fur, it is considered by many as a step toward a more conscious and caring environment and is supported by animal protection organisations worldwide.

Assemblymember Laura Friedman stated: “The year 2023 marks a historic step forward for California with the implementation of a law that truly represents the values of our constituents.”

According to her, the law helps to hold the welfare standards and eventually changes customers’ purchase behaviour towards sustainable fashion.

More and more fashion brands are deciding to follow fur-free policies. Canada Goose, Kering, and Saks Fifth Avenue are only a few examples of brands planning to become fur-free by the end of 2022.