West Hollywood considers fur ban

West Hollywood has long been known for its animal-friendly laws. After all, this is a city where pets are formally recognized as “companions” and their owners as “guardians.”

In its latest effort, the City Council will consider an ordinance Monday night that would prohibit the sale of clothing or personal attire made of animal hair, wool or fur. Under the proposal, the sale of leather would not be considered a violation, however.

Ed Buck, a volunteer with Fur Free West Hollywood, believes the city is on the right side of the issue.

“I think this would be an international, great turning point for the humane community worldwide,” Buck said. “We’ve gone from talking about the problem to talking about the solution. We all know fur is dead.”

But the board of the Avenues: Art, Fashion and Design district opposes the ordinance.

The fashion industry would perceive West Hollywood as “a city not interested in allowing the creative expression inherent in fashion” if the new law is approved, according to a letter to the City Council from the chair and executive director of the organization. The West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce also opposes the ordinance.

Keith Kaplan, a local resident and executive director of the Fur Information Council of America, does not think the City Council spent enough time determining the economic impact of the ordinance. His group hired a research firm to conduct an economic impact study that will be completed this week, Kaplan said.

“The City Council members are voting solely on the basis of their own moral compasses and personal agendas, and that is not democratic government,” Kaplan said.