UWS Lawmaker Wants To Ban Fur Sales In New York

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — An Upper West Side legislator is fighting to end fur sales in New York and the "cruel and inhumane" practices used by the fur industry to create its products.

State Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal's bill — which is currently being considered in committee — would ban the sale of any fur products in New York State starting Jan. 1 2021. The bill would also prohibit the manufacture of any fur products in the state.

The bill defines a fur product as: "Any article of clothing or covering for any part of the body, or any fashion accessory, including but not limited to handbags, shoes, slippers, hats, earmuffs, scarves, shawls, gloves, jewelry, and key chains that is made in whole or in part of fur."

Rosenthal wrote in a memo supporting the bill that fur products are decreasing in popularity, but manufacturers continue to employ cruel methods to create their products. The assembly member cited the Humane Society of the United States' estimate that 100 million animals are killed each year by the fur industry.

Many high fashion brands such as Coach, Versace, Burberry and Michael Kors are also transitioning to fur-free products, Rosenthal wrote.

"While the popularity of wearing fur has decreased, many retailers still sell fur products, keeping cruel fur farms in business."

Rosenthal has often used her position as a lawmaker to fight for animal rights. She recently introduced a bill with State Senator Michael Gianaris that would ban the sale of dogs, cats and rabbits in New York pet stores to fight the practice of animal mills.

The Upper West Side lawmaker is sure to receive pushback from the fur industry, the New York Post reported. The Fur Information Council of America hired lobbyists from prominent firms such as TLM Associates and James Capalino Associates to fight the bill in Albany, the Post reported.