California Bans the Sale of New Fur Products: A Landmark Step for Animal Welfare

California leads the nation by banning new fur sales, setting a precedent for animal welfare and ethical fashion.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 27, 2025

California leads the nation by banning new fur sales, setting a precedent for animal welfare and ethical fashion.

California Bans the Sale of New Fur Products

On January 1, 2023, California became the first state in the United States to implement a comprehensive ban on the sale and manufacture of new animal fur products. This monumental legislation represents a significant victory for animal welfare advocates and signals a changing tide in attitudes toward the fur industry and ethical fashion. AB 44, officially known as the Fur Products: Prohibition, was signed into law in 2019 by Governor Gavin Newsom and involved a multi-year phase-in period, culminating in its full enforcement in 2023.

Background: How California Led the Way

California’s fur ban did not occur in isolation. It was preceded by local bans in prominent cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley, and West Hollywood, where local governments responded to growing public sentiment against animal cruelty and support for sustainable fashion. With California accounting for nearly 25% of all fur product sales in the U.S., the state’s action has profound implications for both the domestic and international fur industries.

2019: AB 44 is signed into law, making California the first state to ban new fur product sales statewide.
Phase-In Period: Retailers were given until 2023 to sell remaining inventories and adapt to compliance requirements.
2023: The ban officially went into effect, barring all new animal fur products in the state.

Scope of the Fur Ban: What Does the Law Cover?

The ban is remarkably broad in its application yet contains clearly defined exceptions. The law prohibits the sale, offering for sale, display for sale, trade, or distribution (for monetary or nonmonetary consideration) of new fur products. It covers both brick-and-mortar retailers and online sellers operating in California.

Definitions under AB 44

Term	Legal Definition
Fur	Any animal skin or part thereof with hair, fleece, or fur fibers attached, in raw or processed form. Excludes leather, cowhide, sheepskin, and certain other animal skins.
Fur Product	Any clothing, accessory, or home item made in whole or part from fur. Includes hats, shoes, gloves, handbags, keychains, jewelry, and home accessories.

Key Exemptions

Used Fur Products: Secondhand sales through nonprofit thrift stores, consignment, or pawn shops are allowed.
Religious and Tribal Uses: Items used for religious purposes or traditional tribal, cultural, or spiritual practices by Native American tribes are exempt.
Taxidermy: Preserved animal pelts or skins used in taxidermy are not restricted.
Other: Activities expressly authorized by federal law are not affected.

Violations of the law can incur fines between $500 and $1,000 per incident, incentivizing retailers and manufacturers to comply.

The Rationale: Addressing Animal Cruelty and Ethical Fashion

The impetus behind California’s fur ban is rooted in animal welfare and ethical arguments that arose from years of activism, investigative journalism, and shifting consumer values. The fur industry, especially factory farming, has long been under scrutiny for inhumane treatment of animals.

Common Issues on Fur Farms

Animals such as minks, foxes, raccoon dogs, and chinchillas are often bred and slaughtered under cruel conditions.
The majority of fur, about 85%, comes from intensive factory farms where animals are kept in cramped, unsanitary wire cages, often leading to disease, psychological distress, and self-harming behaviors.
Investigations have brought to light practices such as gassing, electrocution, and live skinning of animals to facilitate fur harvesting.
In the wild, trapping methods like steel-jaw traps inflict excruciating pain and torturous deaths on targeted and non-targeted animals alike.

Ethical & Environmental Implications

Ethical Consumerism: The rise of ethical fashion and the demand for cruelty-free products have driven both legislative and market changes.
Environmental Impact: Fur production is resource-intensive and polluting, requiring significant inputs of feed, water, and chemicals for pelt processing.

These realities have galvanized support across political, social, and economic spheres, leading to widespread agreement among animal advocates, environmentalists, and even numerous fashion brands that the time has come to move beyond fur.

The Role of Advocacy and Public Sentiment

California’s ban was heavily influenced by public advocacy, grassroots activism, and the growing voice of animal welfare organizations. Over 600,000 California residents joined campaigns spearheaded by groups like PETA, the Humane Society, and others, resulting in one of the most significant animal protection laws in U.S. history.

Extensive letter-writing, lobbying, and petition drives pressed legislators to take action.
High-profile investigations and video exposés captivated the public, fueling outrage and a demand for reform.
Fashion influencers and celebrities leveraged their platforms, further mainstreaming the fur-free message.

Enforcement and Economic Impact

The law’s enforcement was designed to allow for a smooth transition. Retailers and manufacturers were given more than two years to sell off existing inventory and adapt to new sourcing requirements.

Economic Implications

Impact on the Fur Industry: With nearly a quarter of all U.S. fur sales taking place in California, the ban sets a precedent that is likely to be followed elsewhere and poses a significant threat to the national and global fur trade.
Job Reallocation: The ban encourages fashion businesses to pivot toward faux fur and sustainable textiles, triggering innovation and new markets.
Continued Demand for Alternatives: Consumers are increasingly turning to plant-based and synthetic materials, spurring the growth of the ethical fashion economy.

Manufacturers or sellers caught violating the law face substantial fines, ensuring compliance and deterring illegal sales.

California’s Ban in a National and Global Context

This pioneering legislation aligns California with a growing list of cities, states, and countries worldwide that are enacting or considering similar laws:

Numerous European nations have outlawed fur farming or are phasing it out, including the United Kingdom, Austria, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium.
U.S. cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and West Hollywood previously passed local bans, paving the way for broader state action.
Other U.S. states and countries are monitoring California’s success as a potential model for future legislation.

The trend suggests a global shift in both legal standards and consumer attitudes, emphasizing compassion and sustainable living over outdated luxury traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What exactly does the California fur ban prohibit?

A: The law makes it illegal to sell, offer for sale, display for sale, trade, or distribute for monetary or nonmonetary consideration any new animal fur product in California, whether in physical stores or online.

Q: Are any items or uses exempted from the ban?

A: Yes. The law allows for the sale of used fur products (including secondhand, thrift, or pawn shops), and provides exceptions for religious purposes, traditional tribal customs, and taxidermy.

Q: What types of animals does the ban apply to?

A: The law applies broadly to all animal skins with fur, hair, or fleece attached, but excludes certain leathers, hides, sheepskins, deerskins, and goatskins (when processed specifically to remove fur fibers).

Q: How does the law address online sales?

A: The ban includes any business transaction conducted by entities operating in California, regardless of whether the sale is in-person or online.

Q: What are the penalties for breaking the law?

A: Violators can be fined between $500 and $1,000 for each separate offense.

Q: Does the ban affect vintage or inherited garments?

A: No. Vintage or inherited fur products can still be bought and sold through used goods channels, as long as they are not represented as “new.”

The Future of Fur in Fashion

As the first U.S. state to take such a firm stance, California’s fur ban is expected to accelerate the turn toward cruelty-free and ethical fashion across the country and around the world. Major designers, fashion houses, and brands have already committed to going fur-free in anticipation of evolving consumer preferences and the legal landscape.

Innovation: Advances in faux fur materials create sustainable, high-quality alternatives.
Corporate Policy: Many global brands—including Prada, Gucci, and Versace—have voluntarily sworn off fur, citing both consumer pressure and corporate responsibility.
Public Awareness: Ongoing activism and education campaigns continue to influence individual and policy-driven decisions.

California’s experience is now serving as a model for other high-profile jurisdictions eyeing similar restrictions.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Animal Welfare and Ethical Consumerism

The implementation of California’s ban on new fur sales marks a historic step in animal welfare, legislative progress, and the global ethical fashion movement. As attitudes toward animal rights and environmental protection continue to evolve, the Golden State’s trailblazing efforts are likely to echo throughout the U.S. and beyond, encouraging other states and countries to consider similar reforms and redefining the future of fashion and consumer culture in the process.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete