Linda Rosenthal wants to ban fur, and she has a bill to show for it. Her bill proposes an end to fur sales and manufacturing, and would take effect starting in 2021. Rosenthal believes that the fur industry creates its products in “cruel and inhumane ways”. Her hope is to rid New York State of the practice entirely.
Her bill is currently being considered in committee, and defines fur products as “any article of clothing or covering for any part of the body, or any fashion accessory, including but not limited to handbags, shoes, slippers, hats, earmuffs, scarves, shawls, gloves, jewelry, and key chains that are made in whole or in part of fur.”
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As some high-fashion brands such as Coach, Versace, and Burberry transition towards fur-free products, she believes that a shift in legislature would increase awareness of cruelty. Citing the Humane Society of the United States, Rosenthal estimates that 100 million animals are killed each year by the fashion industry. She hopes that this statistic will affect change.
Rosenthal often is an advocate for those who cannot advocate themselves. Specifically, our four-legged friends. She previously introduced a bill along with State Senator Michael Gianaris, aiming to ban the sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits in pet stores, with the hope of decreasing the animal mill trade.
The Upper West Side lawmaker will certainly receive pushback from the fur industry. But she continues to speak out in support of the bill, and often tweets updates, which you can follow here.
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