Israel bans ‘immoral’ fur trade

Israel intends to ban the purchase and sale of fur, with the exception of specially approved cases, making it the first country to do so.

Environment Minister Gila Gamliel announced plans for new regulations, saying the use of animal skin and fur for the fashion industry was ‘immoral’.

The fur industry kills hundreds of millions of animals worldwide and involves indescribable cruelty and suffering. It is immoral to use the skin and fur of wild animals for the fashion industry. In recent years, humanity has begun to understand the immense harm that humans cause to animals and nature, and how species have gone extinct — species that are ultimately responsible for the ecological balance that sustains us.

Israel’s Environment Minister Gila Gamliel

First country to ban the fur trade

Her ministry said future permits would only be considered under specific, limited criteria.

Animal rights group PETA said it ‘applauded’ Israel’s move. According to a survey, 86% of Israelis consider it unacceptable to cage, torture, and brutally kill foxes, minks, dogs, and cats for fashion items.

So far, only a handful of cities in the United States and São Paulo in Brazil have banned the sale of fur.

Exception for religious purposes

Currently, anyone in Israel wishing to buy or sell fur must apply for a permit. Under the new rules, however, this will only be permitted in cases of ‘scientific research, education or instruction, and for religious purposes or traditions’, writes the Jerusalem Post.

The exemption is likely to apply to Israel’s large ultra-Orthodox community, among whom many men wear large round fur hats called shtreimels, believed to originate from Eastern Europe.

Anyone who breaks the law in Israel faces a fine of up to US$22,000 (€18,500) or one year in prison. More on the topic Animal Rights and Wildlife Protection.