Fur Free DC
Cities, states, and even other countries are protecting minks, rabbits, foxes, and wild animals by banning the sale of fur. The fur industry is associated with confining, trapping, and killing millions of animals for clothing. Major stores and fashion brands are also abandoning fur. These developments reflect consumer and voter demand—these days, more and more people are aware of the cruelty inherent in fur production and want to do something about it. By meeting private action with public policy, DC can expedite the transition to compassionate displays of style.
Why Legislation is Needed
DC’s Bill to Address Fur Cruelty
The proposed Fur Products Prohibition Act (Bill 24-0578) was introduced to prohibit fur sales in the District of Columbia. If passed into law the bill would address the inhumane conditions animals are kept in on fur farms by ending fur sales of “any article of clothing or accessory made from animal skin with hair, fleece or fur attached”. The prohibition does not apply to leather products, taxidermized animals, cowhide, or lamb/sheepskin, and has exemptions for second-hand fur products, non-profits, and religious uses.
The Fur Products Prohibition Act was introduced by Ward 7 Councilmember Vince Gray alongside Brianne Nadeau (Ward 1), Matt Frumin (Ward 3), Robert White, Jr. (At Large), Charles Allen (Ward 6), Brooke Pinto (Ward 2), Kenyan R. McDuffie (At Large), Janeese Lewis George (Ward 4), Zachary Parker (Ward 5) and Anita Bonds (At Large).
Sustainable Fashion
In 2023 DC Voters for Animals hosted a sustainable fashion show focused on showcasing animal-free alternatives to fur. The event featured attire made from milkweed floss—a fiber that is warmer than down, more bouyant than cork, and can play a star role in reversing the habitat loss critical to monarch butterflies—provided by Fibershed. On display at Dupont Underground were stylings from Hendricks Designs, Dress to Manifest, and Free Spirit, with elegant models showcasing sustainable, second-hand, and artware designs.
A Growing Fur-Free Movement
Changing Public Attitudes
The vast majority of Americans are opposed to killing animals for fur.
71% of Americans are opposed to killing animals for fur, while only 25% are in favor.
77% of Independents and 80% of Democrats oppose killing animals for fur.
In New York City 75% of residents were in support of a ban on fur sales, including 73% of white and 77% of black New Yorkers.
Conditions for the Animals
The fur industry killed 3.1 million mink just in the US in 2018, and 93.3 million animals worldwide. Animals raised for fur are generally kept in factory farms where they live in tiny cages and are killed in inhumane ways designed to preserve the aesthetic quality of their fur. In the wild, animals are caught in excruciatingly painful traps where they are often left to agonize for days or weeks.
Environmental Impacts
A kilogram of mink fur produces the same carbon pollution as driving a car 775 miles. A fur coat releases 289 kg of carbon pollution whereas a faux fur coat only releases 38-43 kg. Animal fur is treated with toxic preservatives—not only exposing fur wearers to noxious chemicals but also contaminating our waterways.
Do DC Businesses Support a Fur Ban?
In 2017, fur sales made up less than 1% of clothing retail and 0.05 of all retail in DC. There are no furriers remaining in DC, and only a handful of stores sell clothing with fur. On the other hand, many DC stores have adopted policies to stop selling fur, including Macy’s, Canada Goose, and Niemen Marcus.