New York, NY – Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF, Manhattan) applauded Lord & Taylor’s recent decision to remove all raccoon dog fur products from its stores and to amend its advertising practices to ensure consumers are aware of what materials are used in the store’s fur inventory.

This agreement was reached after a lawsuit against the retailer was filed by the Humane Society of the United States, which filed equivalent litigation against other stores including Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue for their misrepresentation of raccoon dog fur as fox, rabbit or even “faux-fur” that is sold to cruelty-conscious consumers.

“I applaud Lord & Taylor’s decision to stop misleading consumers into buying raccoon dog fur,” stated Rosenthal. “It is unconscionable that supporters of animal rights can be tricked into purchasing fur when their intent is to buy a cruelty-free product. As someone who has fought for animal rights and against the deceptive use of raccoon dog fur, I am heartened by this victory.”

To combat this practice, Assemblymember Rosenthal introduced A. 8966-A which passed the Assembly and was signed into law in 2007. The law explicitly mandates that all products be labeled either faux-fur or real fur to ensure that customers can make informed decisions about their clothing purchases.

“Raccoon dog production is notoriously brutal, and New Yorkers should be made aware of the horrific practices that go into the creation of 50% of the fur garments imported into the United States each year. If more people knew that raccoon dogs were skinned alive, they might opt to purchase legitimate faux-fur instead,” said Rosenthal. “I will continue to advocate for legislation protecting consumers and animals alike.”