DC: FUR BAN BILL Public Hearing 12/08/2022

TRAPPERS REPORT ™

Trapping Conservation and Self-Reliance News

DC: FUR BAN BILL Public Hearing 12/08/2022 Dec 6, 2022 05:19 ET Original: DC: FUR BAN BILL Public Hearing 12/08/2022 BILL SUMMARY - As introduced Bill 24-758 would bar the sale of new fur products in the District by outlawing the sale of such products within the District and prohibiting DC-based sellers from selling such products anywhere. Next Step: Dec 08, 2022 Public Hearing on B24-0758 How to participate: (it said you needed to write in by Dec 2, but I would try anyway if you wanted to be included) Dccouncil.gov -----START Statement of Introduction Fur Products Prohibition Act of 2022 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray April 4, 2022 Today, I am joined by my colleagues Councilmembers Brianne K. Nadeau, Elissa Silverman, Mary M. Cheh, Robert White, Jr., Charles Allen, Brooke Pinto, Kenyan R. McDuffie and Anita Bonds in introducing the “Fur Products Prohibition Act of 2022.” The bill bars the sale of new fur products in the District, both by outlawing the sale of such products within the District and by prohibiting DC-based sellers from selling such products anywhere. “Fur product” is defined as any article of clothing or accessory made from animal skin with hair, fleece or fur attached. However, it does not include leather products, taxidermized animals, cowhide, or lamb/sheepskin. This definition is intended to target mink fur products and similar equivalents which have become redundant, wasteful, and inhumane due to recent advances in synthetic fur technology. Fur production has been demonstrated to be cruel to animals, toxic to the environment, and dangerous for humans. Animals raised for fur are generally kept in factory farms where they housed and are killed in inhumane ways, and when caught in the wild, can be left for days in traps in pain. Environmentally, a kilogram of mink fur produces the same carbon pollution as driving a car 775 miles, and animal fur is treated with toxic preservatives. Mink farms are also a health risk as minks can catch and transmit COVID-19. There are a few exceptions to this prohibition to better tailor it to the needs of the District. It does not bar the sale of second-hand fur products by individuals, non-profits, and second-hand shops as the existence of these products represents little ongoing harm. To ensure the bill’s constitutionality, it also excludes any fur products needed for religious purposes or for complying with federal law. I look forward to working with my colleagues to successfully pass this legislation. -----END UPDATE (12/09/2022): Please find below the video from the 12/08/22 meeting: The video has been clipped to only show the portion of the meeting that pertained to the proposed fur ban bill.

DC: FUR BAN BILL Public Hearing 12/08/2022 Dec 6, 2022 05:19 ET Original: DC: FUR BAN BILL Public Hearing 12/08/2022 BILL SUMMARY - As introduced Bill 24-758 would bar the sale of new fur products in the District by outlawing the sale of such products within the District and prohibiting DC-based sellers from selling such products anywhere. Next Step: Dec 08, 2022 Public Hearing on B24-0758 How to participate: (it said you needed to write in by Dec 2, but I would try anyway if you wanted to be included) Dccouncil.gov -----START Statement of Introduction Fur Products Prohibition Act of 2022 Councilmember Vincent C. Gray April 4, 2022 Today, I am joined by my colleagues Councilmembers Brianne K. Nadeau, Elissa Silverman, Mary M. Cheh, Robert White, Jr., Charles Allen, Brooke Pinto, Kenyan R. McDuffie and Anita Bonds in introducing the “Fur Products Prohibition Act of 2022.” The bill bars the sale of new fur products in the District, both by outlawing the sale of such products within the District and by prohibiting DC-based sellers from selling such products anywhere. “Fur product” is defined as any article of clothing or accessory made from animal skin with hair, fleece or fur attached. However, it does not include leather products, taxidermized animals, cowhide, or lamb/sheepskin. This definition is intended to target mink fur products and similar equivalents which have become redundant, wasteful, and inhumane due to recent advances in synthetic fur technology. Fur production has been demonstrated to be cruel to animals, toxic to the environment, and dangerous for humans. Animals raised for fur are generally kept in factory farms where they housed and are killed in inhumane ways, and when caught in the wild, can be left for days in traps in pain. Environmentally, a kilogram of mink fur produces the same carbon pollution as driving a car 775 miles, and animal fur is treated with toxic preservatives. Mink farms are also a health risk as minks can catch and transmit COVID-19. There are a few exceptions to this prohibition to better tailor it to the needs of the District. It does not bar the sale of second-hand fur products by individuals, non-profits, and second-hand shops as the existence of these products represents little ongoing harm. To ensure the bill’s constitutionality, it also excludes any fur products needed for religious purposes or for complying with federal law. I look forward to working with my colleagues to successfully pass this legislation. -----END UPDATE (12/09/2022): Please find below the video from the 12/08/22 meeting: The video has been clipped to only show the portion of the meeting that pertained to the proposed fur ban bill.