Great news! Under a new consumer and animal protection law signed into law by Governor Eliot Spitzer, all real fur and fur-trimmed clothing sold in New York State -- the nation's largest fur market -- will have to say "real fur" on the label. Faux fur garments must similarly be labeled "faux fur." These requirements will protect New Yorkers from a gaping loophole in the federal law that leaves consumers unable to make informed decisions about the purchase of fur and faux fur trim.The new law was sponsored by LOHV-NYC allies and 2006 endorsees Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan) and Senator Frank Padavan (R-Queens). It passed by an overwhelming majority in both houses in June.
This past winter, our friends at The Humane Society of the United States discovered that jackets being sold by major retailers under many popular brand names as faux fur actually contained raccoon dog or domestic dog fur. Raccoon dogs are commonly skinned alive in China. Under a loophole in the federal law -- The Fur Products Labeling Act -- if the real fur on the garment is valued at $150 or less, it can go unlabeled-even if dyed pink to look fake. The HSUS estimates that one in seven real fur garments are not required to be labeled.
"Unfortunately, we can't outlaw the inhumane treatment of raccoon dogs and other animals in China," said Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal. "But this law will at least keep unlabeled jackets and jackets falsely advertised as faux from duping New Yorkers into supporting this cruelty."
"Enactment of this new law will allow consumers throughout New York to make more informed decisions when it comes to making purchases that contain fur and faux fur," Senator Padavan (Queens) said.
The law goes into effect November 13, 2007.