West Hollywood's City Council is sending a strong message to pelt peddlers: Go faux or get out. In a monumental step for animals, the Council approved a ban on the sale of new apparel fur jackets, vests, stoles, and boots in stores within the city limits.

The City Council heard from people in the fur industry who opposed the ban, but it was also bombarded with calls, letters, and e-mails from PETA supporters, both local and outside the city, urging it to pass the measure. Ellen DeGeneres showed her support for the ban by tweeting, "I just heard West Hollywood has banned the sale of fur. Good for them!" And Stella McCartney penned a letter to the Council saying, "The ban on the sale of fur in West Hollywood is a true example of the kinds of efforts we need to make to influence people that will hopefully lead to positive change."

A PETA member who lives in West Hollywood spoke at Monday night's Council meeting, explaining that all fur is cruel, no matter how the fur industry's PR people try to spin it. She said, "Numerous undercover investigations from China, the U.S., and just about everywhere in between have revealed that foxes, minks, coyotes, and rabbits—and even dogs and cats—are bludgeoned, electrocuted, and often skinned alive for their pelts."

PETA has named WeHo the Most Compassionate U.S. City of 2011 for its progress in seeking to become "the humane capital of the United States." Banning fur sales is just the latest compassionate action for the city, which has already halted pet stores from selling dogs and cats, banned declawing, and officially recognized people with companion animals as "guardians" rather than "owners." We hope that many other cities follow in WeHo's inspiring footsteps.

You can make your home a no-fur zone by signing PETA's Pledge to Be Fur-Free today.

Written by Michelle Sherrow

Which premier luxury shopping destination is poised to ban fur? That would be West Hollywood, California, home of the famous Sunset Strip. As part of West Hollywood's quest to establish itself as the "Humane Capitol of the Nation," the City Council has directed the city attorney to draft an ordinance prohibiting the sale of fur products. Since the council members voted unanimously in favor of drafting the ordinance, chances are good that it will pass with flying colors.
 

 
The fur-free ordinance continues a long West Hollywood tradition of kindness to animals. It was the first city in the country to ban cat declawing and also banned the retail sale of dogs and cats in pet stores, as well as pushing for Proposition 2, which improved welfare standards for "laying hens" in California.

Not lucky enough to live in West Hollywood? You can help shoo fur out of your town by organizing protests outside fur salons and other stores that sell fur. See PETA's "Guide to Becoming an Activist" for tips. 
 

Written by Michelle Sherrow

Dog and cats across West Hollywood have a little more pep in their step this week after hearing the news that WeHo's City Council voted unanimously to ban the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores. This landmark law makes West Hollywood the first city in the country where it is illegal to sell dogs and cats bred at puppy and kitten mills. Way to go, WeHo!

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Written by Logan Scherer

This week, West Hollywood may become the first city in the country to ban the sale of dogs and cats in pet stores, potentially dealing a major blow to puppy mills, where constant confinement and a lack of adequate veterinary care and socialization often lead animals to become unhealthy and difficult to socialize. In a world in which U.S. animal shelters must put 3 to 4 million dogs and cats to death every year because of the overpopulation crisis, this ordinance would remind residents that adoption is the only responsible choice for people who are looking to welcome companion animals into their homes.

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With its history of pioneering animal rights legislation and its influential role as a cultural and political trendsetter, West Hollywood is poised to lead the movement against pet stores and puppy mills. But you don't have to wait for WeHo to make its move. Urge your local legislators to end the exploitation of cats and dogs in your own community immediately.

Written by Logan Scherer