News Release
For Immediate Release
December 12, 2001
 

Greenleaf Pet Fur Ban and Bill of Rights Day Measures Approved

HARRISBURG –A bill sponsored by Sen. Stewart J. Greenleaf to prohibit the sale dog or cat fur products in the commonwealth and legislation he offered to commemorate Bill of Rights Day were passed by the General Assembly and now await the signature of Gov. Mark Schweiker to become law.

Senate Bill 280 would ban the sale of fur, skin, or hair of a dog or cat and the sale of products containing these items.  Even though a federal law—sparked by publicity surrounding the sale of coats containing dog fur-- prohibits the importation, exportation, and interstate sale of such products, animal welfare organizations continue to receive reports of cat figurines—made with cat fur-- being sold in the state.   

 The Greenleaf measure would patrol intrastate sales of such items, with enforcement provided by the State Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Bureau.  The states of Alabama, California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Oregon, and Virginia have similar statutes to provide for state enforcement.  “Most customers would have no idea that they are buying gloves lined with dog fur or a cat hair figurine, and they would be repelled to know of the cruel practices associated with this overseas industry,” Greenleaf said.  “Our hope is that this law will make merchants more vigilant about suspect merchandise and that state enforcement will stop the sale of items that may have escaped the notice of federal officials.”

Groups advocating passage of the law include the Pennsylvania Legislative Animal Network, the Federated Humane Societies of PA, the PA Federation of Dog Clubs, the Fund For Animals, Lehigh Valley ARK, the Humane Society of the US, the American SPCA, and the Animal Protection Institute.

Senate Bill 230, Greenleaf’s proposal for Bill of Rights Day, would establish December 15 of each year as a state holiday commemorating the ratification of the first 10 amendments of the U.S. Constitution by the required number of states in 1791.

 Greenleaf noted that the idea for the holiday was suggested by a constituent, who believes the designation will encourage educational activities in schools and civic ceremonies that call attention to the important freedoms contained in the Bill of Rights.

 Under the proposal, the day would not be considered a legal holiday such as Veterans Day or the Fourth of July, but would require a proclamation by the Governor designating annual commemoration of the Bill of Rights on December 15.