Israel has announced plans to ban its fur trade, with exceptions. Currently, those wanting to buy or sell fur have to apply for a permit.
The ban also doesn’t differentiate between the pelts of wild creatures raised on fur farms and animals trapped in the wild.
Israel is moving towards banning the use of fur.
Environmental Protection Minister Gila Gamliel said: ‘This morning we launched an important initiative to ban the fur trade. There is no need or justification for using fur in the fashion industry.’
She continued: ‘The fur industry causes the killing of hundreds of millions of animals around the world, and involves indescribable cruelty and suffering. Utilising the skin and fur of wildlife for the fashion industry is immoral.’
Once the new regulations are in place, those wanting to buy or sell fur can only do so for ‘scientific research, education or for instruction and for religious purposes or tradition’ according to the BBC.
Israel has a large ultra-Orthodox community and men wear large round fur hats called ‘shtreimels’ on Shabbat and religious holidays. Importers of these will have to apply for special permits to do so.
PETA has praised Israel’s move ‘for recognizing that the trade in coats, pom-poms, and other frivolous fashion items made from wild animals’ fur offends the values held by all decent citizens.’
If the law is broken, individuals can face a year in prison or a fine up to $22,000 (R367,413).
Image: Unsplash
