RSS
Home
NJ passes fur labeling bill
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
Photo from HSUS web site - Biopix.dk
One week ago, today, the New Jersey State Senate passed on a vote of 37 – 1, a bill introduced by Sen. Jeff Van Drew, D-1, S. 2472, requiring ALL garments made of animal fur to be labeled with the type of animal fur and the country of origin. Previously, if a garment contained a 'relatively small quantity or value' of fur it was not required to be labeled.
In March a similar bill, A. 2653, sponsored by Assembly member Nilsa Cruz-Perez, D-5, passed the State Assembly with a vote of 61 to 16. If enacted, New Jersey will become the fifth state to pass a strong fur labeling law. It now sits on Governor Corzine's desk for signature.
So, fellow New Jerseyans if you feel strongly about having truthful labeling of any fur or fur like garment please call Governor Corzine to make your voice heard. 609-292-6000 is the number to call. The following is an example of a brief statement to make:
"Hello, my name is [your name], and I'm calling from [your town] to urge Governor Corzine to sign A. 2653/S. 2472 into law. I support labeling of all garments containing animal fur. New Jersey consumers deserve to have accurate information about what they are buying. Thank you."
After you make your call, please send a follow-up email in support of the truth in fur-labeling. Then, please tell your friends and family in New Jersey how they can help, too.
Many unsuspecting consumers are purchasing garments trimmed in what is labeled 'faux fur' when in fact it is dog fur. Not such a comforting feeling to think you may be wearing Fido or Fluffy…
In 2005 HSUS started an investigation and found numerous abuses of misleading labeling or no labeling on garments with fur. Some of the major offenders were Burlington Coat Factory, Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Sack's Fifth Avenue, Barney's, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus. The brands were Calvin Klein, Baby Phat, Rockaware, Tommy Hilfiger and Oscar DeLa Renta, to name a few.
Here is a time line of HSUS investigation
- 2005 – The HSUS begins investigation into the raccoon dog fur trade.
- February 2006 – The HSUS announces widespread industry scandal finding raccoon dog fur for sale in the United States.
- December 2006 – Tests commissioned by HSUS investigators find raccoon dog fur on jackets advertised as "faux" and labeled as other species such as raccoon or coyote.
- February 2007 – Tests commissioned by HSUS investigators find domestic dog fur on unlabeled jackets advertised as "faux" fur.
- February 2007 – U.S. Reps. Jim Moran, D-Va., and Michael Ferguson, R-N.J., introduce the Dog and Cat Fur Prohibition Enforcement Act, H.R. 891.
- March 2007 – The HSUS files petition with the Federal Trade Commission seeking to enforce the Fur Products Labeling Act.
- Aug. 15, 2007 – New York Assembly member Linda B. Rosenthal's legislation to require fur labeling signed into law in New York.
- November 2007 – New York fur labeling law goes into effect.
- September 2008 – U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., and Norm Coleman, R-Minn., introduce the Truth in Fur Labeling Act, S. 3610.
- November 2008 – HSUS files suit against a number of major retailers including Macy's, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue for engaging in false advertising and mislabeling of fur garments.
- May 2009 – The Truth in Fur Labeling Act, introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, as H.R. 2480 and S. 1076, to protect consumers by bringing much-needed accuracy and full disclosure to fur labeling laws. Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J. and Reps. Jim Moran, D-Va., and Mary Bono Mack, R-Calif. introduced the bills.
Most of the fur used by China garment makers is from raccoon dogs. They are raised in inhumane conditions, akin to puppy mills in the United States. The dogs are often skinned alive. The video, I must warn you is graphic. After you watch it (if you dare) please find it in your heart to call Governor Corzine and urge him to sign this bill at 609-292-6000.
If you like what you've read from the Philadelphia Dog Advocate Examiner, consider subscribing; it's FREE and you will receive an email with every newly published article. Your privacy is fully respected and your email address and information is kept private.
Related Articles:
Comments
