West Hollywood Bans Sale of All Fur Apparel
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - The city of West Hollywood has pushed forward historic legislation, making it the first city in the U.S. to ban the the sale of fur apparel. The city council voted unanimously (5-0) for the ban, leaving only a few details to settle such as implementation date.
The Fur Free West Hollywood campaign hopes to set a precedent and expand to other progressive cities in the U.S., and ultimately put an end to the needless suffering of 50 million animals killed annually for human vanity and luxury.
Statement from animal rights attorney Shannon Keith, one of the organizers of the Fur Free West Hollywood campaign:
"West Hollywood's ordinance banning the sale of fur is a historic step for the rest of the world, as it is the first city in the United States to pass such an ordinance. Cities like West Hollywood and communities all around the country are recognizing that the fur trade is barbaric, cruel and not fashionable. West Hollywood has always been on the leading edge of progressive, compassionate legislation. We are thrilled that this historic first has taken place right here in West Hollywood."
Shannon Keith is also the producer/director of the 2010 film "Skin Trade," an investigative documentary exposing the cruelty behind the fur industry.
West Hollywood's 1989 resolution to be a "Cruelty Free Zone for Animals" set the precedent for the protection of fur animals. The city has already passed a historic ban on declawing cats, banned the sale of dogs and cats within city limits, cosmetic testing on animals and steel-jaw leghold traps.
For more about the campaign, please see http://furfreeweho.com/