New Fur Labeling Law Protects New York Consumers, Animals

August 16, 2007

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Under a new consumer and animal protection law signed into law last night, 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 law goes into effect November 13, 2007.

The measure, A.B. 8966a, was sponsored by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal (D, 67) and Senator Frank Padavan (R, 11), and passed by overwhelming majority in both houses in June.  Last night, Governor Eliot Spitzer signed the bill, which has been given the state law reference name "Chapter 611."  Similar legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Congress and in Delaware, and already exists in Massachusetts and Wisconsin.

This past winter, The HSUS 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. 

"Thanks to Assemblymember Rosenthal and Senator Padavan, New Yorkers will no longer be duped into buying an unlabeled jacket thinking it is faux, when in fact it came from a raccoon dog who may have been skinned alive in China," said Pierre Grzybowski, deputy manager of the Fur Campaign for The HSUS. 

"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. "I am pleased that our 'fur labeling' legislation has become law and look forward to working with the Humane Society of the United States on additional legislation that will protect all animals from inhumane treatment."  

A separate bill in the U.S. Congress – H.R. 891, the Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act – would ban the sale of raccoon dog fur. Additionally, it would require all garments trimmed with fur to be labeled, regardless of value. Current law allows fur valued at less than $150 to go unlabeled. This legislation was introduced by Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) and Rep. Mike Ferguson (R-N.J.) and currently has about 100 cosponsors.  The federal bill has been endorsed by retailers and designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Burlington Coat Factory, Loehmann's, House of Deréon, Marc Ecko Enterprises and Buffalo Exchange.

For more information on The HSUS' fur investigations, visit humanesociety.org/furfree.

Facts:

• The HSUS investigation found raccoon dog fur on 80 percent of a nationwide sample of fur-trimmed jackets purchased from well-known retailers and designers. Of the raccoon dog fur jackets tested, not a single one properly identified the animal in advertising or labeling, instead calling it such things as faux fur, raccoon, or simply not labeling it at all. 
• Estimates on the number of raccoon dogs being caged and killed in China range from 1.5 million to 4 million. 
• It is illegal to import, export, sell or advertise any domestic dog fur in the United States, but raccoon dog fur is currently not included in this ban.
• The Dog and Cat Protection Act of 2000 banned the trade in domestic dog and cat fur after an HSUS investigation revealed the death toll of 2 million animals a year in China and other parts of Asia and found domestic dog fur for sale in the United States.  

Timeline:

• March 2007 - HSUS files petition with FTC seeking to enforce the Fur Products Labeling Act. February 2007 - U.S. Representatives Jim Moran (D-Va.) and Michael Ferguson (R-N.J.) introduce the Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act, H.R. 891.
• February 2007 – Tests commissioned by HSUS investigators find domestic dog fur on unlabeled jackets being advertised as "faux" fur.
• December 2006 - Tests commissioned by HSUS investigators find raccoon dog fur on jackets being advertised as "faux" and labeled as other species such as raccoon or coyote.
• February 2006 - HSUS announces widespread industry scandal finding raccoon dog fur for sale in United States.
• 2005 - HSUS begins investigation into raccoon dog fur trade.

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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 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.