http://www.hsus.org/furfree/news/new_york_bans_anal_electrocution.html
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New York First State to Ban Electrocution of Animals for Fur
(August 29, 2007) - The Humane Society of the United States praised New York
state lawmakers and Governor Eliot Spitzer for enacting the first law in the
country to ban the inhumane electrocution-including anal and genital
electrocution-of animals raised to become fur coats and fur-trimmed
garments. Governor Spitzer signed the bill into law last night, making it
the first public policy in the U.S. to prohibit this inhumane practice.
"Animals killed to make fur coats and fur-trimmed apparel suffer in numerous
ways, but one of the most inhumane and painful methods is the anal or
genital electrocution of foxes, chinchillas and other animals," said Michael
Markarian, executive vice president of The Humane Society of the United
States. "We applaud state lawmakers for their foresighted leadership in
protecting animals from this horrifying fur factory farm practice."
The bills were A. 2613a, sponsored by Assemblymember Deborah Glick (D-66),
and S. 3529a, sponsored by Senator Frank Padavan (R-11). The legislation
passed both the Assembly and Senate unanimously in June.
"By enacting this legislation into law, we are outlawing the barbaric,
callous and inhumane practice of electrocuting animals for use of their
fur," said Senator Frank Padavan. "I am pleased we have been able to take
another significant step forward in the fight to ensure all animals are
treated with the highest standard of humane treatment and care."
"This painful method of killing fur bearing animals is inhumane and
gruesome," said Assemblymember Glick, "Most people would be appalled at
these methods that are considered unacceptable according to guidelines by
the American Veterinary Medical Association. It is reassuring that this
inhumane practice will be prohibited in at least one state."
Prior to being killed, animals in fur factory farms are warehoused for
months in rows of barren wire battery cages. When animals are electrocuted
through their anus or genitals, which is typical on fur farms, the
electricity does not go through and stun the brain; the animals must remain
awake and feel the full excruciating force of a massive heart attack.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association's guidelines for
euthanasia, "Use of a nose-to-tail or nose-to-foot method alone may kill the
animal by inducing cardiac fibrillation, but the animal may be conscious for
a period of time before death. Therefore, these techniques are not
acceptable."
Although the practice is common in the United States, even industry trade
groups say they do not sanction electrocution. According to Fur Commission
USA, "the only method of euthanasia approved by Fur Commission USA is
bottled gas, either pure carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide."
Earlier, this month, Governor Spitzer signed another bill related to the fur
industry. A. 8966a, sponsored by Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal (D-67) and
Senator Padavan, protects New York shoppers by requiring that all
fur-trimmed garments are labeled to inform the consumer whether it's real or
fake fur. An HSUS investigation this past winter revealed that dozens of
major retailers and designers were selling fur-trimmed garments advertised
as "faux fur," which were in fact real animal fur, in some cases dog fur
from China.
Added Markarian, "The anti-cruelty laws of a state are a reflection of our
basic values and attitudes toward animals, and this pair of path-breaking
bills is a measurable step forward for animals and consumers in the state of
New York."
A separate bill in the U.S. Congress - H.R. 891, the Dog and Cat Fur
Prohibition Enforcement Act - would require all garments trimmed with fur to
be labeled, regardless of value. Current law allows fur valued at less than
$150 to go unlabeled. This legislation was introduced by Rep. Jim Moran
(D-Va.) and Rep. Mike Ferguson (R-N.J.) and is pending in the House Ways and
Means Committee, chaired by Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.). It currently has
more than 100 cosponsors and has been endorsed by retailers and designers
such as Tommy Hilfiger, Burlington Coat Factory, Loehmann's, House of
Deréon, Marc Ecko Enterprises and Buffalo Exchange.
Information on The Humane Society of the United States' fur campaign, visit
humanesociety.org/furfree
Facts:
There is precedent for banning the electrocution of fur-bearing animals: the
electrocution of foxes was banned in the United Kingdom and was replaced by
barbiturate injection.
USDA reports indicate New York had seven mink farms in 2001. The number is
believed to have since declined. There is no current data available for fox
farms, although there are believed to be very few.
USDA reports that in 2006, 16 mink farms in the United States also raised
foxes, down from 19 in 2005.
USDA reports put 2006 U.S. mink pelt production at 2.86 million, with
Wisconsin the largest producer, followed by Utah.
More than 50 million animals, including mink, foxes, raccoon dogs,
chinchillas, rabbits and domestic dogs and cats are killed annually at fur
farms worldwide.
In China, live skinning of animals for the fur trade-much of which is sold
in the U.S.-is well documented.
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Broadcast quality video footage of U.S. fox farms is available, including
foxes in cages and killed by electrocution, at:
http://video.hsus.org/index.jsp?fr_story=8c91084c49ccc01e5a0f32c613c0c2c87bd62ff3
The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal
protection organization - backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every
30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the
protection of all animals through advocacy, education and hands-on programs.
Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at
humanesociety.org.