Why is DC proposing a ban on all new fur sales? Animals raised for fur are typically bred to be turned into coats and other apparel. The industry confines them to tiny cages on factory farms–giant facilities designed to house and slaughter animals as economically as possible, regardless of the enormous suffering. Foxes, raccoon dogs, mink, and other animals are confined to tiny cages, leaving them unable to express natural behaviors like running, swimming, or sunbathing. They are brought into existence, confined to tiny cages, and killed in excruciating ways involving electrocution and blunt force trauma--all just to be turned into vanity fashion items. 

Recognizing the cruelty of these practices, the DC Council introduced the Fur Products Prohibition Act of 2021 to prohibit the sale of new fur products that come from these inhumane sources. In response, the fur industry mobilized non-DC residents from across the country to bombard DC Councilmembers in opposition to the bill. But the problem remains that this is an industry rooted in animal suffering. It is time for DC to join many municipalities and hundreds of brands such as Macy’s, Ralph Lauren, and Neiman Marcus who have shed fur in fashion.

The fur industry is a major polluter, in part because fur has to be treated with harsh chemicals so it can outlast its natural lifecycle. Not to mention that fur has a bigger carbon footprint than any of the other most common materials, such as. cotton and polyester. It’s estimated that one kilogram of fur produces as much carbon pollution as driving a gas car approximately 750 miles!

Animal-free furs already match texture and appearance without harming animals, and the wave of demand has spurred designers to innovate with sustainable materials, including furs made from plant fibers and recycled products.

Cities all over the country have already banned fur sales. This movement has grown to include the state of California and the country of Israel, and nearly 20 countries have already outlawed the factory farms used to produce fur because of animal cruelty and the risk fur farms pose of spreading disease.

It is time for the capital of the United States to follow suit and pass the Fur Products Prohibition Act--a bill that would allow people to keep their fur coats and allow second-hand sales of fur, but prohibit all sales of new fur in the District. 

Tell the DC Council: it is time to go fur free--we can be a city that looks good while leading with compassion!