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Ordinance supplementing the Pittsburgh Code of Ordinances, Title VI, Conduct, by adding a new Chapter, "640: Humane Animal Protection Act".
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WHEREAS, millions of animals are killed for their fur every year, enduring tremendous suffering. However, over time, civilizations and technology have developed such that fur is a luxury and fur is now typically produced for fashion rather than warmth; and
WHEREAS, the majority of pelts in the world's fur trade come from fur farms, on which animals are confined to cramped and unsanitary cages and are killed using cruel methods, including suffocation, poisoning, electrocution and gas; and
WHEREAS, fur farming can be damaging to the environment and contributes to water and air pollution. Fur processing often involves use of harmful chemicals including chromium and formaldehyde; and
WHEREAS, there are growing public health concerns regarding fur farming due to the spread of viruses, specifically respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, on these farms. This growing
concern has led to the practice being banned in many countries; and
WHEREAS, fur farming also consumes significant quantities of energy. The amount of energy required to produce a coat made of real fur from ranch-raised animal skins is over 15 times that needed to produce a fake fur garment; and
WHEREAS, there are significant concerns related to the environmental impact of fur farming. For instance, one mink produces an estimated 44 pounds of feces in its lifetime, which "produces hazardous byproducts including often uncontrollable amounts of phosphorus, nitrates, and other chemicals" which pollute the air and water and have been shown to "cause ecosystem damage and loss of biodiversity pollution", according to Isaac Wakefield1; and Drop dead stylish: Mitigating environmental impact of fur production through consumer protection in the truth in fur labeling act of 2010, 19 PENN ST. ENVTL. L. REV. 267, 270 (2011).
WHEREAS, existing laws impose relati...
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