In 2019 Councilmember Blumenfield authored the ‘Fur Ban’ ordinance which put Los Angeles in the position as the largest City in the United States to ban the sale and manufacture of new fur. Every year, more than fifty million animals including foxes, chinchillas, minks, raccoons, dogs and rabbits are killed for their fur. In response to Blumenfield’s leadership the State Legislature introduced a bill modeled on his successful fight for animal rights. The Animal Hope and Wellness Foundation said of Councilmember Blumenfield, “The passage of the LA Fur Ban led by Councilmember Blumenfield represents a landmark victory when it comes to ethics and compassion."
The fur industry is one that has consistently been associated with inhumane practices. Animals who are cultivated solely for their fur spend their lives in cramped cages, subject to deplorable living conditions. Common practices include gassing, electrocution, suffocation and neck breaking. Electrocuting fur-bearing animals anally and genitally is a slaughter method used frequently in the industry to limit damage to the fur.
As more cities and countries pass restrictive legislation, more companies will stop using fur and alternatives will continue to improve. Considering the wide available alternatives, Blumenfield strongly believes that the demand for fur products does not justify the unnecessary killing and the cruel treatment of fur-bearing animals. Most recently, major fashion companies have made commitments to remove fur from their line of products.