On July 22, 2019, Andrew Cuomo, New York Governor, signed into law a bill which bans cat declawing in the state of New York, effective immediately. New York becomes the first state to outlaw it, although it’s in committee in other states, like Florida. This is just one example of many U.S. states which have either approved or are considering approving animal-friendly legislation like cosmetics testing, sale of fur, and more.
In California, state senators are considering a bill to ban the import and sale of fur products. This would make them the first state to do so, if it goes through. As per Olivia Darcy, a legal writer at Writinity and Last Minute Writing, “this ban would include anything from parkas with coyote fur trim, mink shawls, and pom-pom keychains that are made with rabbit fur. Many California residents are in support of the bill, which faces a handful more votes and the governor’s approval before it can pass.”
There is a growing concern in the United States for the wellbeing of animals, and legislatures at all levels are reviewing their laws, but it’s truly started as a grassroots movement from the ground up.
The Sale of Fur
One of the longest-running campaigns in the animal welfare movement is to end the use of fur in fashion. The reality is unfortunately that fur is making a comeback recently. Minks, rabbits, coyotes, and foxes are the main victims in the fur product industry. In May 2018, however, a poll found that 37 percent of Americans find buying and wearing fur unethical and morally wrong. Just one year later, in May 2019, that number was up to 45 percent, an all-time high.
At the city level, both LA and San Francisco have banned the sale of fur, and both these bills had incredible support. This is why there’s now a feeling that this ban can be taken statewide. The ban does have its opponents, though, including fur industry groups in California and the International Fur Association. These organizations argue that the ban would affect commerce and prevent consumers from making their choices. They also say that real fur is better for the environment than faux fur, because that doesn’t compost with time.
Fashion designers also took a major step of banning fur products, including big name brands like Burberry, Michael Kors, Gucci, Coach, and Versace. There are hopes that a statewide fur ban would seriously affect the demand for fur and by knock-on effect would lead to fewer animals being killed for fur.
Animal-Friendly Actions
California was also at the forefront of animal protection regulations last year when it enacted a comprehensive farmed animal protection. It also banned the sale of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores unless they are sourced from a shelter, as per this bill. Finally, California was the first state to ban cosmetics that were tested on animals. This is on par with a cruelty-free cosmetics movement that’s worldwide.
Once California passed the cosmetics testing law, Nevada passed it as well, and Illinois. These are just signs of what’s to come, even at the federal level. In other countries, similar movements are gaining traction. Australia has already banned animal-tested cosmetics, joining other countries like India, Turkey, Guatemala, and the European Union, to name a few.
Animal welfare activists see this as just the start of the progress we’re poised to see this decade. For example, Edna McTeale, a journalist at Draft Beyond and Researchpapersuk, says that “circuses are one area that are becoming severely restricted in what they can do. Cities and towns in 39 states have put restrictions in place on circus acts with exotic animals, and as many as 70% of Americans are seriously concerned about animal treatment in circuses.”
In December of last year, New Jersey became the first state to ban statewide any traveling act that has exotic animals like elephants. States are sending powerful messages to federal congress in the hopes that there will be a federal bill that gains traction. It would reflect the large majority of public opinion in the United States. Animal welfare activists are certainly not sitting back on their gains though, and continue to push for more legislation.
Fur Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
Ashley Halsey, a professional writer for Lucky Assignments and Gum Essays, is involved in many legal and lifestyle projects. She enjoys researching legal developments in different countries, especially how the intersect with her passion for animal welfare. In her free time, she explores the nature trails with her two dogs, Skipper and Roger.
