California bans fur and animals in circuses
Rights — di Valentina Neri
In California, 12 October will be remembered as a historic date for animal rights, with the end of fur and wild species in circuses.
California bans fur and animals in circuses
In California, 12 October will be remembered as a historic date for animal rights, with the end of fur and wild species in circuses.
It all began in San Francisco, which from 1 January 2019 banned the sale of any product containing fur. The state of California followed suit, prohibiting the use of traps to catch wild animals and sell their pelts (traps remain permitted only for scientific research, public health protection and pest control purposes). Now the American state, considered the most open and progressive in the country, takes the leap and puts a stop, once and for all, to animal fur.
How California's fur ban works
On Saturday 12 October, California's Democratic governor Gavin Newsom signed bill AB-44, which prohibits any resident from producing and selling clothing, shoes or bags made from animal fur. Offenders face a fine of 500 dollars per item, rising to 1,000 dollars if the violation occurs more than once a year. The measure will come into force in 2023, to give retailers time to adjust their inventories. "California is a leader on animal welfare and today that leadership includes banning the sale of fur," he said in a statement.
As the San Francisco Chronicle explains, a number of exceptions are provided for. The sale of second-hand garments, synthetic furs (often derived from plastic), leather goods, taxidermied animals and deer, sheep and goat hides remains permitted. Furs used by indigenous peoples for tribal or religious purposes are also allowed.
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No more wild animals in circuses
In California, Saturday was without doubt a day to remember for animal rights. In addition to the fur ban, bill SB13 was also approved — proposed by San Diego senator Ben Hueso — which prohibits the use of any wild animal in circus performances. Only domesticated cats, dogs and horses will be allowed to appear in shows. The measure does not apply to rodeos.
"We are making a statement to the world: magnificent wild animals like bears and tigers have no place on a trapeze or jumping through flames," concluded governor Gavin Newsom, who described the training practices used for circus shows as "deeply disturbing".