Investigative Footage Reveals Ongoing Illegal
Fur Sales and Prompts Legal Actions Against Retailers
LOS
ANGELES, July 29, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Last Chance
for Animals (LCA), an international animal rights group, has
unveiled a significant breach of California's fur ban through a detailed
investigation narrated by renowned musician and animal activist
Rikki Rockett. The investigation,
which spanned several months, has identified multiple retailers in
the Los Angeles area flagrantly
violating the state's fur ban.
On January 1, 2023, California became the first state in the
nation to outlaw the sale and manufacture of new fur products. This
landmark legislation also made it illegal for online retailers to
sell and ship new fur products to California residents. Despite the law, LCA's
investigation has uncovered that several retailers are still
engaging in the sale of new fur.
During the investigation, which was conducted between May and
November 2023, LCA documented five
retailers breaching the fur ban, including luxury retailer
Stefano Ricci in Beverly Hills, CA, and Surfas Ltd. Furriers
and Bizakis Furs, both based in Tustin,
CA. These findings expose a troubling disregard for the law
and a continuation of unethical practices.
"California's fur ban
represents a significant step towards animal welfare, and it's
disheartening to see some retailers flouting this important
legislation," said Chris DeRose,
LCA's founder and president. "Our investigation underscores that a
law is just words on paper if it isn't actually enforced. The fur
ban signed by Gov. Newsom gives enforcement responsibility to the
Attorney General and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The fact
that we keep finding these violations out in the open, with no help
from state authorities, demonstrates the urgent need for continued
vigilance and for the state to ensure that the fur ban is
enforced."
In September 2023, LCA
successfully secured a settlement against Surfas Ltd. Furriers
which resulted in the store agreeing to "immediately cease any
unlawful sales" and to cover LCA's attorney fees and costs. This
was a legal victory for animal rights and LCA is pursuing ongoing
legal action against Bizakis Furs, with a court date set for
December 2024.
In January 2024, LCA issued a
cease-and-desist letter to Stefano
Ricci, demanding an end to their sale of new fur in their
Beverly Hills store and online to
California residents. LCA was once
again successful when Stefano Ricci
complied.
LCA remains committed to investigating and exposing fur
retailers who are not complying with California's fur ban. "We have worked too long
and too hard for this ban to sit idly by while stores ignore the
law," said DeRose. "We will continue to bust stores that sell new
fur products."
The organization is calling on the public to urge the California
Department of Fish and Wildlife to enforce the fur ban. Go here for
more information on the investigation and to support the ongoing
fight against illegal fur sales.
ABOUT LAST CHANCE FOR ANIMALS:
LCA is an
international non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating
animal exploitation through education, investigations, legislation,
and public awareness campaigns. Since its formation in 1984, LCA
has succeeded as one of the nation's pioneer animal advocacy
groups. LCA's educational and public outreach programs have
empowered the public to make positive changes for animals in their
communities. For more information, visit
https://lcanimal.org
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SOURCE Last Chance For Animals