Local stores react to state fur ban bill
A bill pushing to ban fur sales in California is gaining momentum.
The bill would make California the first state to ban fur sales in the nation.
While supporters of the bill say it’s for the safety and well being of the animals, not everyone agrees.
Melinda Collis, owner of Cats Meow in Monterey which sells some furs, says there are a lot of misconceptions about the fur industry.
“There are very humane ways that it is actually sourced out as well, so there are a lot of misconceptions out there on how fur is processed. I think sometimes people get onto kicks or hear small statements and they haven’t truly investigated the full picture.”
She says using all parts of animals are a way to show them respect, “I lived off the land and ate off the land and processed my own hides when I was a child, so I have love and respect for every animal that comes through this door.”
Collis added that while there are some fur manufacturers who process fur in inhumane ways, this bill could make it worse. “Then it would turn more so into a black market and I think perhaps that would become more unethically established.”
She also challenges people to look into other clothing sources, saying arguments could be made for many things, “you may not be wearing the fur, but you’re wearing the synthetically made pieces in which are ethnically unsafe for humans.”
Some who support the bill and helped write it, gathered at the Capitol today to answer questions.
Assembly member Laura Friedman stated the bill would exempt cow and sheep. It would also not apply to used fur or fur being used for religious purposes.
