San Francisco Becomes the Largest U.S. City to Ban Fur Sales
Fur has been a fashion faux pas in most liberal-leaning circles in the Bay Area, but now its official. San Francisco supervisors voted unanimously to ban the sale of fur, making San Francisco the largest U.S. city to ban fur sales.
Supervisor Katy Tang and Wayne Hsiung, co-founder of animal rights network Direct Action Everywhere, were a key part of bringing the legislation to life. The ban takes effect Jan. 1 and applies to apparel and accessories featuring real fur, including coats, key chains and gloves. While most are happy with the shift away from fur, certain businesses are concerned.
According to USA Today, the Chamber of Commerce “estimates San Francisco fur sales account for at least $40 million a year. The city’s Office of Economic Analysis estimated fur sales at $11 million in 2012, based on census figures.”
Some concessions have been made, including an amendment allowing furriers and other retailers until January 1, 2020, to sell down their current inventory. Reselling vintage and used fur by outlets not usually in the business of trading fur, such as secondhand stores, pawn shops and nonprofits, will still be allowed to sell items with fur.
Overall, this is a huge win for animal rights and hopefully, a trend for other cities to follow. San Francisco is the third California city to ban fur, alongside West Hollywood and Berkeley.
In a statement sent to us from Wayne Hsiung, co-founder of Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), he adds, “Supervisor Tang and San Francisco are leading the way in making a more compassionate world for animals. This historic act will usher in a new wave of animal rights legislation across the globe.”
