H990 — An Act prohibiting the sale of newly farmed fur products

Summary

An Act prohibiting the sale of newly farmed fur products

Bill Text

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This bill establishes a prohibition on the sale of farmed fur products in Massachusetts, introducing penalties for violations.

• Chapter 110

  CHAPTER 110I. SALE OF FARMED FUR PRODUCTS. Section 1. The general court finds that eliminating the sale of farmed fur products in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will decrease demand for cruel products, reduce public health risks, promote community awareness of animal welfare, foster a more humane environment, and enhance the reputation of the Commonwealth. Section 2. For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings: “Fur,” any animal skin or part thereof with hair, fleece, or fur fibers attached thereto, either in its raw or processed state. “Fur product,” any article of clothing or covering for any part of the body, or any fashion accessory, including but not limited to handbags, shoes, slippers, hats, earmuffs, scarves, shawls, gloves, jewelry, keychains, toys or trinkets, and home accessories and décor, that is made in whole or part of fur. “Fur product” shall not include any of the following: (1) An animal skin or part thereof that is to be converted into leather, or which in processing will have the hair, fleece, or fur fiber completely removed; (2) Animal hair, fleece, or fur fibers that are not attached to skin (e.g., fishing lures); or (3) Fur, wool, or other fibers sourced exclusively from any member of the family Bovidae, Camelidae, Equidae, Suidae, or Cervidae. “Fur farm,” any operation, including the land, buildings, support facilities, and any other location or equipment, in which animals – including but not limited to, mink, fox, raccoon dog or chinchilla – are owned, controlled, raised, bred, propagated, or kept for the value of their fur. “Person,” any individual, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, limited liability company, corporation, estate, trust, receiver, or syndicate. “Ultimate consumer,” an individual who buys a fur product for their own use, or for the use of another, but not for resale or trade. “Used fur product,” a fur product that has been worn or used by an ultimate consumer. Section 3. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person shall not sell, offer for sale, display for sale, trade, or otherwise distribute for monetary or nonmonetary consideration, a fur product in Massachusetts if any of the fur contained in the fur product was sourced from an animal that was raised, maintained, kept, or housed for all or part of its life on a fur farm. (b) For purposes of this section, the sale of a fur product occurs in Massachusetts if: (1) The buyer takes physical possession of the fur product in Massachusetts; or, (2) The seller is located in Massachusetts. Section 4. The prohibitions in section 3 shall not apply to the sale, offer for sale, display for sale, trade, or distribution of: (1) A used fur product; (2) A fur product used for religious purposes; or (3) A fur product where the activity is expressly authorized by federal law. Section 5. (a) The attorney general shall enforce this chapter. The attorney general may also seek injunctive relief to prevent further violations of this chapter. (b) Within 6 months of the passage of this act, the attorney general shall promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation and enforcement of this chapter. (c) A person who violates this chapter shall be liable for a civil penalty of not less than five hundred dollars nor more than five thousand dollars per violation. Each fur product that constitutes a violation of this chapter shall be treated as a separate violation. SECTION 2. This act shall take effect 1 year after passage.

  This new chapter prohibits the sale of farmed fur products in Massachusetts, establishing definitions and enforcement measures for violations.

Sponsors

• Jack Patrick Lewis · Primary

Subjects