Israel to vote on world's first fur ban
Feb 19, 2010
© Network for Animal Freedom 2009
As the UK gears up for London Fashion Week, where fur will no doubt make an appearance on the catwalks, Israel is preparing for something far more innovative - a complete ban on all fur.
Dr Elly Hiby, head of companion animals at WSPA said: “If this ban is passed, it sets a global precedent of immense value to organisations working globally to bring an end to the fur trade. By protecting all species of animals from this indefensible industry, Israel would be admired internationally as the first country to acknowledge that fur is of a bygone age. Breeding and killing animals for fashion or luxury has no place in a humane society.”
What is the vote about?
On Wednesday 24th February, the Knesset – the legislative branch of the Israeli government – will vote on a bill to ban the farming and processing, import, export and sale of fur from all animal species that aren’t already part of the meat industry.
The bill was presented for its first reading to the Knesset’s Constitution, Law and Justice Committee on 7th February where it received unanimous support. Recent findings show that 86% of Israelis consider it morally indefensible to kill animals if they are killed only for their fur.
This next reading is with the Education, Culture and Sports Committee and if it is successful, it seems likely to pass through the next two readings and become law, making this upcoming vote crucial to the bills success.
How does this compare to other countries?
Several countries have banned the production of fur, but not the trade. The UK banned fur farming in 2000 on the grounds of protecting ‘public morality’, but since then fur imports to the UK have been steadily increasing. Sales have risen by 30% in the last two years.
Throughout Europe fur production is in decline, as legislation is increasingly banning production and making it economically unviable.
However unless countries also ban the trade in fur, this will have little impact on fur consumption and only serve to further cement China’s position as the world’s largest supplier of fur.
Similarly, several countries have banned the trade in fur from certain species but not others. The EU and USA have banned the trade in fur from seals and from dogs and cats, but it remains legal to trade in other species like raccoon dogs and polecats. Denmark has recently banned fox farming, but continues to be the world’s second largest producer of mink fur.
By taking the logical step and simply banning fur in its entirety, Israel would set an amazing global precedent – it would be hugely significant for the animal welfare movement and send a clear message to the fur industry.
Why is WSPA involved?
WSPA is a major funder of the Fur Free Alliance (FFA), the largest alliance of animal protection groups working peacefully to end the fur trade, through initiatives like Design Against Fur and the Fur Free Retailer scheme.
Over the past year we have also been lending support to two organisations – the Anti Fur-Coalition and Let Animals Live, who have been doing great work in driving this landmark legislative process in Israel.
How can you help?
There are a couple of different ways that you can show your support for this landmark ban:
You can lend your voice and show support for the bill by taking the Anti-Fur Coalition’s online action (please note this takes you to an external website)
Download a letter to the editor to send to your local paper
Please also link to this story if you are active on blogs and/or social networks to show your public support for this trailblazing move from Israel. You can also join in the debate on the WSPA UK Facebook and Twitter pages.