News Release
For Immediate Release
April 25, 2001
 

Senate Passes Greenleaf Pet Fur Product Prohibition

HARRISBURG –A measure sponsored by Sen. Stewart J. Greenleaf to prohibit the sale of products made from the fur, skin, or hair of a dog or cat has been approved by the State Senate.

State law prohibits the killing of dogs or cats for their fur, but leaves a loophole for the sale of such products. Cat figurines made from cat fur have been found for sale in the state. Pet fur has been identified in stuffed animals and in coats and other apparel imported into the United States. Most of the products originate in China.

"Pennsylvanians don’t want these products in their stores, and this bill represents an effort to keep them out of our stores," Greenleaf said.

The proposed law would make the knowing sale of such items a misdemeanor of the third degree. It would give retailers a reason to make sure that questionable products are not being offered for sale. Under the bill, merchants who suspect that items contain pet fur would report that to the Bureau of Consumer Protection in the Attorney General’s Office. The bureau would be authorized to investigate and, if necessary, use DNA testing to determine the make up of the product.

New Jersey, Alabama, Florida, California, Delaware, Georgia, Oregon, and Virginia have passed similar laws.

The Greenleaf measure is supported by the Pennsylvania Legislative Animal Network, the PA Federation of Dog Clubs, the ASPCA, and the Federated Humane Society.