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LOS ANGELES (September 18, 2018) - Following years of campaigning by In Defense of Animals to end the barbaric fur trade, Los Angeles is making history by becoming the largest city in the world to ban fur sales. Los Angeles’ City Council today voted unanimously to draft an ordinance outlining a city-wide fur ban.

“Los Angeles’ historic move to ban fur sales today is likely to herald the end of the barbaric fur industry for good,” said In Defense of Animals President, Marilyn Kroplick M.D. “This major city sets global fashion and culture trends, and has sent a message to the world that animals should not to be abused for clothing. We are delighted by this significant victory for animals, the public, and activists and organizations around the world who have exposed the cruel fur industry.”

Los Angeles’ fur ban ordinance will prohibit the sale of apparel and accessories made in whole or in part of fur, including coats, handbags, shoes, hats, and jewelry. Retailers will be given a two-year phase-in period. The fur ban ordinance will need to be approved and signed by Mayor Eric Garcetti before officially becoming law.

Councilmember Paul Koretz proposed the ordinance and highlighted the far-reaching impact of this ban, stating to the chamber, “Other big cities will see what we're doing and follow our lead, and pretty soon there will be no big cities in which you can buy a fur coat anywhere in the United States.”

4 million Los Angeles residents and nearly 50 million tourists who visit the city every year will be affected by the ban, making it the world’s most significant fur sales restriction to date.

Los Angeles’ ban follows fur sales bans in San Francisco, Berkeley, and West Hollywood. More than 20 countries worldwide have taken national legislative action against fur including the UK, Austria and the Netherlands.

The Los Angeles fur ban builds on years of dedication and hard work of California activists including several members of In Defense of Animals who have spent many years of their lives fighting fur and hosting Fur Free Friday events every year without fail.

Learn more at www.furkills.org 

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In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 30-year history of fighting for animals, people and the environment through education, campaigns and hands-on rescue facilities in India, Africa, and rural Mississippi.

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