Further Fur Sales Curtailed | GreersOC.com

 

Could a fur sales ban be coming soon to Orange County?

West Hollywood has long been known for its animal-friendly laws. It bans declawing of pets and formally recognizes them as "companions" while their owners are "guardians." So on Tuesday November 8th, it was hardly surprising that West Hollywood's City council approved a controversial ban on the sale of  items with even a hint of fur in their composition.

The ordinance bans the sale of "any item of personal attire, clothing or garment, which consists of, or is composed in whole or in part from, the pelt or skin of any animal with its hair, wool or fur, including, but not limited to:  fox, mink, rabbit, bear, seal or chinchilla."  

The new law will go into effect as early as 2013 and will prohibit the sale of NEW fur items in boutiques, including high profile ones like John Varvatos, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga and Oscar De La Renta.  The ban isn't restricting all retailers who sell fur -- secondhand and non-profit thrift store fur-related items will still be available for sale.  

  

Opponents predicted dire consequences for local retailers. They said nearly half of the 200 apparel stores in town sell at least some fur items, and that merchandise made with animal pelts is estimated to account for up to $2 million in revenues for those businesses each year. 

What do you think?