Moments ago, Gov. Gavin Newsom made history by signing into law a bill banning the sale and production of all new fur products in California.

California, a trendsetter in animal welfare and in fashion, is the first state in the nation to pass such a ban, and we applaud Gov. Newsom and the state’s lawmakers for recognizing that California citizens do not want their state’s markets to contribute to the demand for fur products. The fur industry causes the suffering and death of more than 100 million animals worldwide each year, and animals on fur factory farms are forced to live in cramped, wire-bottom cages, deprived of the ability to engage in natural behaviors, before being cruelly killed by gassing or electrocution.

The California law, which will go into effect in January 2023, is a monumental victory in the Humane Society of the United States' decades-long campaign to end this cruel and unnecessary trade. Hawaii and New York have introduced similar measures, and we’ll continue working hard with other cities and states to convince them to follow California’s lead.

Calfornia’s action signifies the growing rejection of fur products among consumers worldwide. Leading brands and retailers from Prada, Gucci and Chanel to TJ Maxx and Burlington Coat Factory are moving away from fur at a rapid pace and focusing on creating innovative and sustainable materials that are just as warm and stylish.

Californians have repeatedly shown a deep concern for animal welfare, with 71 percent of voters supporting a ban on fur sales. Los Angeles, San Francisco, West Hollywood and Berkeley had already passed local ordinances banning fur sales, thanks largely to the tireless work of local animal advocates.

The bipartisan bill in California was introduced by Assemblymember Laura Friedman last December and sponsored by the HSUS and Animal Hope and Wellness. It passed six committees and the full Assembly and Senate with overwhelming support. The bill had many notable supporters among politicians and the fashion industry, including the California Democratic Party, Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti, the San Diego County Democratic Central Committee, the City of West Hollywood, InStyle magazine, Stella McCartney, DVF-Diane von Furstenberg, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Hugo Boss, Patagonia, H&M, GAP, J.Crew, Madewell, Des Kohan, Hiraeth and Inditex/Zara. Animal protection groups and citizens across the state mobilized in favor of the legislation.

We thank all of these supporters, and especially Assemblymember Friedman and Gov. Newsom, for their compassion, dedication and humane leadership. By making it clear that fur is no longer fashionable, California has once again set an example for the United States and the rest of the world. It’s a great day for animals and a harbinger of even more great things to come in the future.