Massachusetts Lawmakers to Decide on Fur Sales Ban Amid Public Outcry

Strategic Insights -

Massachusetts lawmakers are poised to consider a legislation that would ban the sale of fur products from animals farmed for their pelts, a move that enjoys significant public support. The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources will hold a hearing on October 21 on S.551 and H.990, companion bills sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem and Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis. The legislation has been endorsed by animal welfare organizations, including Humane World for Animals, MSPCA-Angell, and Fur-Free MA, who argue that the fur industry is inhumane and cruel.

Key Takeaways:

  • Massachusetts ranks third in the nation for fur sales, behind only New York and Texas, according to U.S. Census data.
  • A recent survey by Colorado State University's Animal-Human Policy Center found that 66% of Massachusetts residents support legislation to stop the sale of new clothing and other products made with fur from animals raised in captivity.
  • Senator Cindy Creem (D-Newton) stated, "The message from voters is clear: Massachusetts residents do not want to be complicit in these inhumane practices."
  • Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis (D-Framingham) emphasized that Massachusetts has an opportunity to lead with compassion and ensure its laws and economy aren't tied to an industry that subjects innocent animals to suffering.
  • The legislation targets fur products sourced from animals held in similar factory-farm conditions, not from wild-trapped animals, secondhand fur, or fur used for religious purposes.
  • Preyel Patel, Massachusetts state director for Humane World for Animals, highlighted that the animals rescued from Ohio were emaciated and severely dehydrated, and several animals were found deceased and covered in snow, emphasizing the inherent suffering in the fur industry.

Statistics:

  • Massachusetts residents who support legislation to ban the sale of new fur products: 66%
  • Percentage of Massachusetts residents who would be less likely to vote for a lawmaker backing the fur ban: 13%
  • Percentage of Massachusetts residents who would be more likely to support a lawmaker backing the fur ban: 46%
  • Number of communities within Massachusetts that have already acted to restrict new fur sales: numerous, including Wellesley, Weston, Brookline, Plymouth, Cambridge, Lexington, Attleboro, and Arlington
  • Number of companies that have announced a fur-free policy for their publications: at least one, including Conde Nast, parent company of Vogue and Glamour

Sources:

  • Humane World for Animals
  • MSPCA-Angell
  • Fur-Free MA
  • Senate Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D-Newton)
  • Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis (D-Framingham)
  • Preyel Patel, Massachusetts state director for Humane World for Animals
  • Kara Holmquist, director of advocacy at the MSPCA
  • Liza Oliver, founder of Fur-Free Massachusetts
  • U.S. Census data
  • Colorado State University's Animal-Human Policy Center