On behalf of our 9000 members nationwide, the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association, a national association of veterinary professionals focused on animal health and welfare, joins the following veterinarians in supporting passage of Intro 1476. This legislation would prohibit the sale of fur within New York City.
The production of fur relies upon inhumane methods of trapping and husbandry, which drastically compromise the health and welfare of the animals used. Millions of rabbits, mink, foxes and other wild animals are confined lifelong in cramped cages on factory fur farms, deprived of their abilities to engage in natural behaviors. These animals are typically killed via medically and ethically objectionable methods, such as gassing or electrocution.
Additionally, animals may be trapped in the wild for their pelts. Animals caught in crippling leghold or noose-style traps undergo immense physical compromise and suffering, which can include asphyxiation, hemorrhage, ulcerative wounds, psychological distress and self-trauma. These animals are often forced to spend days lingering without food or water. In addition, it remains a public health and environmental concern that these archaic traps may injure and kill unintended targets, including threatened species, pets or even children.
Consumer choices have for many years been trending away from fur products. We hope the New York City Council will take a firm lead on this issue. We strongly support Intro 1476 to ban the sale of fur in New York.
Eileen Jefferson, DVM
New York State Representative, Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association (HSVMA)
Joined by the following New York veterinary professionals:
Dr. Jake Jaffe
Dr. Rhonda Windham
Dr. Michelle Werner
Dr. Yvonne Szacki
Dr. Sara Witherell
Dr. Morika Ogawa
Dr. Jill Elliot, DVM
Terry Li, MBA, Hospital Group Administrator
Kathy Nizzari, PetTech
Dr. Cindy Bressler
Richard Fried, VMD
Nuala McDermott, DVM
Alexandra Jaramillo, LVT
Jeanine Lunz, LVT
Katja Lang, DVM
Kian Madden, DVM
Tara Scales, DVM
Dr. Pratikshya Patil
Dr. Andy Kaplan
Dr. Justin Lamb
Dr. Marcela Salas
Dr. Laurel Frydenborg
Dr. Robin Brennen
Dr. Meredith Wilson
Dr. Geraldine Kilkelly
Patrice A. Whittington, DVM, MPH
Marc Siebert, VMD
Carolyn Quagliata, DVM
Allyson Berent, DVM, DACVIM
Daniel Tufaro, DVM
Valentina Anurova, DVM, PC
Vladlen Anurov, DVM, PC
Jennifer Chu, DVM
Catriona Love, DVM
Karen Cherrone, DVM, DACVS