California will be the first US state to ban sales and manufacture of fur. The bill makes it unlawful to sell, display and distribute for monetary and non-monetary consideration a fur product. The bill also would make it unlawful to manufacture a fur product in the state for sale. The proposed law offers exemptions for the sale of vintage fur as well as fur products used for religious ceremonies. A ban would not regulate skins converted into leather or products such as shearling from domesticated animals. The ban would apply to clothing, handbags, shoes, slippers, hats and key chains that contain fur. Civil penalties might be pursued against those convicted of selling or manufacturing fur products in California.

Fur products are already under scrutiny by the Federal Trade Commission and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Many brands have dropped angora wool from their clothing lines. So far more than 300 major retailers have banned angora. Angora rabbit fur is being used for sweaters, hats, gloves, and more. Angora rabbits have long, soft fur. Most angora comes from rabbits on Chinese factory farms. The rabbits writhe in agony as workers tie them down and rip out their fur. Mohair is another product that involves cruelty.