Israel on Wednesday banned the trade in animal fur for fashion.

Import and export will be banned except for "research, teaching and certain religious traditions," the environment ministry said in a statement.

The use of fur to design the "Schtreimel", this hat worn by some ultra-Orthodox Jews, remains authorized.

The ministerial decree will enter into force in six months.

Israel thus becomes the first country to adopt such strict legislation in this area.

🎉 Historic victory for animals: Israel becomes the first country in the world to ban the sale of fur!

đŸ„ł



This decision follows years of struggle by local activists and PETA affiliates and deals yet another blow to this cruel, declining industry.

👏 pic.twitter.com/nyqU9Ni9jh

- PETA France (@PETA_France) June 10, 2021

A "historic gesture" according to associations

The fur trade "causes unimaginable suffering for animals," said Environment Minister Gila Gamliel.

“This decree will transform the Israeli fashion market making it better in terms of respecting environmental standards.

The International Anti-Fur Coalition (IAFC) welcomed the decree, calling it a “historic gesture”.

"Israel is the first country in the world to close its doors to this cruel industry," said Jane Halevy-Moreno, director of the IAFC.

The country had already banned in 1976 the breeding of animals for their fur.

Other countries have already introduced partial bans on the fur trade, especially for particularly endangered species such as seals.

The total ban on the fur trade is only in effect in certain cities, such as Sao Paulo (Brazil) or in the State of California (United States).

India has already passed similar regulations nationwide, but only for mink, fox and chinchilla skins.

Style

Fashion: The house of Valentino in turn renounces animal fur in its collections

Did you see ?

Australia: Koalas to be identified and monitored using artificial intelligence

  • Animal protection

  • Abuse

  • Animals

  • Planet

  • Israel

  • Fur