Maryland Legislators Consider Fur Labeling Bill

March 6, 2008

Maryland's House Economic Matters Committee will hold a hearing today on legislation that would require all garments containing fur to be labeled with the species of animal and country of origin. Pierre Grzybowski, deputy director of The Humane Society of the United States' fur-free campaign, will testify in support of H.B. 834, which was introduced by Delegate Tom Hucker, D-20.

"Consumers have a right to know what they are buying and what they are wearing. People would be shocked to learn that fur they thought was fake may very well be real," said Delegate Hucker.

Current federal law requires that fur garments be labeled with the species of animal used and country of origin, but it exempts garments with fur worth less than $150. Because of this loophole, consumers can't always tell if an item contains real fur or faux fur — and today's processing techniques make it nearly impossible for consumers to tell the difference.  Three other states — Massachusetts, New York, and Wisconsin — have passed laws requiring stricter labeling of fur apparel.

"Retailers have a responsibility to let Maryland consumers know if the trim on a jacket is real animal fur, perhaps from a raccoon dog skinned alive in China," said Grzybowski. "Closing this loophole will give Maryland consumers — including those with allergies and ethical objections to fur — the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about what they buy."

In his testimony, Grzybowski will discuss the widespread effects of the current loophole, manufacturing techniques used to disguise real fur, the danger to consumers with fur allergies and animal welfare concerns surrounding unlabeled animal fur.

Click here for the full text of Grzybowski's testimony.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization — backed by 10.5 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty — On the web at humanesociety.org.