Los Angeles Announces the Largest Fur‑Free Move in the U.S.
On September 18, the City Council threw its support behind a bold new plan: banning the sale and manufacture of most fur products in the city’s limits. With a unanimous 12‑to‑0 vote, the council directed the City Attorney to draft an ordinance that covers everything from pricey mink coats to those fancy rabbit‑foot charms.
Why It Matters
Los Angeles already nails the fashion capital vibe with thousands of boutiques and designers, but surprisingly only a couple of those shops sell fur. “I can think of one store, maybe two, that sell furs,” said Ariana Gomez, spokesperson for the fashion district, hinting at the small domestic demand despite the global buzz.
Supporters hope the ban will inspire other fashion hubs—N.Y.C., Chicago, Miami—to follow suit. “If we can do it here, we can do it anywhere,” urged Councilman Paul Koretz, a key advocate for the measure. The city’s grand ambition is to be a global spark for animal rights.
The Endgame
- The ordinance will go live in January.
- Retailers have a two‑year phase‑in window, ending in 2020, to clear existing stock.
- Used fur items are allowed to stay on shelves.
- Special exemptions: fur used for certain religious practices and pelt products legally harvested under a California license.
California’s furry sales tally up at roughly $360 million statewide (based on 2012 data), so a city‑wide ban could spark a ripple in the industry.
Quick History Snapshot
Los Angeles isn’t the first to cut the fur curtain. West Hollywood led the way back in 2011, and the Bay‑area towns of Berkeley and San Francisco joined in 2017 and this year, respectively. Now, the world’s second‑largest city might be the tipping point.
The “Fur” Debate
Keith Kaplan, head of the Fur Information Council of America, says there will be a market for fur if consumers buy it, and fashion houses will keep designing it. He also markets a counter‑argument: the industry’s methods aren’t inherently cruel, a stance that‑certainly doesn’t sit well with some animal‑rights advocates.
As Los Angeles moves toward a fur‑free future, it’s geared to check history books: who decided whether fur was fashionable or faux? If this city can drop the fur carpet, maybe the rest of the world can roll along with it—pun absolutely intended.
