The Bill To Ban the Fur Trade in Israel

Thursday, March 11, 2010

The Education, Culture & Sports Ministry committee debated the issue for 2 and a half hours.  Respect for Animals and animal welfare groups from all over the world were present.  The fur trade sent a delegation which included a representative of the Fur Institute of Canada.  The fur trade’s presentation was as expected, such as claiming that footage of conditions on fur farms and of slaughter is faked. 

Several of their assertions were rejected by Israeli government officials, including claims that the ban would not be legal, that countries such as Canada could claim compensation for loss of trade and that the ban could not be properly policed. 

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.  They had been asked to supply a detailed list of items for exemption but had failed to do so.  This meant that a vote could not be taken at this meeting as had been expected. 

The Committee showed strong support for the bill, which has the support of the coalition government, but the Chair had no option but to delay the vote until the next meeting.  This will take place later this month.

In the meantime, MPs from the UK have sent messages of support for the ban to the members of the Knesset.  Here are a selection:

“Ever since I was elected to Parliament in 1983 I have consistently supported legislation which improves the way that animals are looked after.  There can be little question that the overwhelming majority of people believe that to kill an animal simply to wear its fur as a coat and cruel and morally wrong.  The legislation that the Israeli Parliament is considering would undoubtedly improve the welfare of animals and would be influential in encouraging other countries to follow suit.  I commend the bill to the Parliament.”
David Amess MP Conservative, Southend West

“I am very pleased that the Israeli government is leading the way by taking this important step to ban the fur trade. The end of this inhumane practice should be a for gone conclusion.  The UK has already banned fur farming and trapping, and will hopefully soon close the irrational loopholes which allow the fur trade to persist. I will be writing to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to encourage him to do so.”
Norman Baker MP Liberal Democrat, Lewes

“I have campaigned within the British Parliament and with animal welfare organisations against the fur industry and the cruelty and suffering inflicted on animals for the fur trade.  The UK has banned fur farming and trapping and introduced a number of measures to promote animal welfare.

So I am delighted that the Knesset is considering a complete ban on all fur production and sales of fur and I congratulate Knesset members who have pushed for this groundbreaking legislation.  Your Bill will give great encouragement to the many organisations and campaigners around the world who support a total ban.  If the Bill succeeds it will set a precedent internationally and I hope other countries will follow it in pursuing similar legislation so we can secure the end of the fur trade.”
Judy Mallaber MP Labour, Amber Valley

“As a member of Labour Friends of Israel I’m delighted to hear that the Knesset is considering a Bill to ban the fur trade. As you may know, fur farming and trapping is illegal in Britain and it would be a great step forward if Israel takes the lead in this way by banning the trade altogether. Coupled with similar discussion in other countries, I think Israel would quickly be joined by others and with many of your friends in Britain I would take particular pleasure in working to follow your lead.”
Nick Palmer MP Labour, Broxtowe

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