Potential Fur Ban in Israel Is a Step in the Right Direction
Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Legislation is set to discuss a bill that would ban the sale of fur in the country, according to Haaretz.com. If passed, the new law would impose a six-month sentence or a monetary fine on those caught selling fur.
Zionist Union MK Merav Michaeli, the bill’s sponsor, stresses that the Torah forbids cruelty to animals and that it’s Israel’s duty to ban the fur trade now. She reasons that humans can no longer claim ignorance of the suffering endured by the animals the industry exploits. This, combined with the abundance of synthetic fur options available to consumers, she says, leaves no excuse for continuing to torment and kill animals for fashion.
A successful bill banning fur in Israel is long overdue. The movement has received overwhelming support from Israeli citizens, chief rabbis, and many members of Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, across the political spectrum as well as from PETA and our supporters. Pamela Anderson and Orthodox Jewish reggae singer Matisyahu have made appeals on PETA’s behalf. However, even though a ban has garnered so much support, it remains in discussion.
If passed, this bill would be an enormous step in the right direction. Animals on fur farms spend their entire lives confined to cramped, filthy wire cages. Fur farmers use the cheapest killing methods available—which are also the cruelest—including suffocation, electrocution, gassing, and poisoning.
Additionally, fur farms harm the environment. One million pounds of feces are produced annually by U.S. mink farms alone. A particularly dangerous component of this waste is nearly 1,000 tons of phosphorus, which contaminates nearby rivers and streams. After animals are slaughtered, their skin is treated with toxic chemicals, which pollute the environment, in order to keep it from decomposing in the buyer’s closet.
Israel’s bill would benefit animals, humans, and the environment. We hope it advances and that other countries follow suit.
What You Can Do
Don’t believe the fur industry’s lies—fur harms animals and the planet. Take a stand against cruelty and sign PETA’s pledge to be fur-free today.
Do you have an old fur garment that you’re not sure what to do with? Clear your conscience and your closet by donating it to PETA. Your tax-deductible donation could be used as part of our educational displays and anti-fur “fashion shows” or as bedding for animals in need.
