Bill > A01923

This bill, titled "Prohibits the trade of farmed fur products," aims to ban the sale, offering for sale, display for sale, trade, or distribution of any fur product in New York if any of the fur originated from an animal raised on a "fur farm," which is defined as any operation where animals like mink, fox, and raccoon dogs are kept for their fur. The legislation defines "fur" broadly as any animal skin with hair attached, and "fur product" as any clothing or accessory made in whole or part of fur, with specific exclusions for items like leather, loose animal hair, and fur from certain animals like cows or sheep. This ban, which will take effect twenty-four months after the bill becomes law, is intended to reduce demand for what the legislature considers cruel products, improve public health, promote animal welfare awareness, and enhance the state's reputation, though it includes exceptions for used fur products, fishing lures, religious or traditional cultural uses by Native American tribes, and items authorized by federal law. The Attorney General will be responsible for enforcing the law, with violations potentially resulting in civil penalties of up to one thousand dollars per non-compliant fur product, and sellers will be required to maintain records proving their products are exempt for at least three years.