Israel becomes first country in the world to ban sale of fur

Israel has become the first country in the world to ban the sale of fur in what campaigners say is an “historic” decision.

The ban, effective in six months’ time, comes with only a few exceptions. Activists said they hoped the UK followed Jerusalem’s lead, with Claire Bass, director of the Humane Society, calling it “a truly historic day for animal protection”.

Israel’s ban allows exemptions for the sale of fur in “scientific research, education or instruction, and for religious purposes or tradition”, which includes shtreimels – fur hats traditionally worn on Shabbat and holidays by Orthodox men.

Bass said: “Even with the exemption for traditional dress, without which this ban was unlikely to have succeeded, Israel’s fur ban will save the lives of millions of animals suffering on fur farms or languishing in cruel traps around the world.

“It sends a clear message that fur is unethical, unnecessary and outdated. We now call on the British government to follow Israel’s compassionate lead.”