Israel moves closer to banning the fur trade

Thursday, February 25, 2010

It was discussed by the Education, Culture & Sports Ministry committee for 2 hours and prsentations were made by three animal welfare groups, including Respect for Animals and representatives of the fur trade in Israel. 

The fur trade relied on the same tired arguments, such as the films of conditions on fur farms are faked.  They falsely claimed that fur farms are legally regulated and supervised in the European Union. 

The Committee had been expected to vote but this has now been delayed until March due to technical implementation issues.  However, the Committee showed strong support for the bill and appeared frustrated over the delay.

At the meeting the Committee learnt of the Israeli chief Rabbi’s support for the ban.

The bill excludes the trade in fur intended for religious purposes, allowing the ultra-Orthodox community to continue to manufacture shtreimels, a traditional fur hat. 

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