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SD 712

An Act prohibiting the sale of newly farmed fur products

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jo Comerford and 8 co-sponsors

Prohibits selling fur products in Massachusetts if any fur comes from a fur farm animal, with penalties and a one-year effective date.

House concurred
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Bill Summary · SD 712

Summary: SD 712 — An Act Prohibiting the Sale of Newly Farmed Fur Products

Status: House concurred. Introduced February 27, 2025. Senate Docket No. 712; Senate No. 551. Referred to the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources (2/27/2025); House concurred (date shown in actions).

Purpose and intent

This bill aims to eliminate the sale of fur products in Massachusetts if the fur comes from animals raised on fur farms. The sponsors describe the goal as reducing demand for cruel products, lowering public health risks, promoting animal welfare, and enhancing the state’s humane reputation.

Key provisions

  • New Chapter 110I established: The bill inserts a new statute, “Sale of Farmed Fur Products,” within the General Laws after chapter 110H.

  • Definitions (Section 2):

    • Fur: Any animal skin or part with hair/fur fibers, raw or processed.
    • Fur product: Any clothing, accessory, or home item made in whole or part of fur (e.g., coats, hats, handbags, footwear, jewelry, toys, décor). Excludes:
    • Leather-processed skins where hair/fur is removed
    • Fur fibers not attached to skin (e.g., lures)
    • Fur/wool/fibers sourced exclusively from Bovidae, Camelidae, Equidae, Suidae, or Cervidae
    • Fur farm: Any operation housing or breeding animals for fur (e.g., mink, fox, raccoon dog, chinchilla)
    • Ultimate consumer: Buyer for personal use
    • Used fur product: Fur item previously worn or used

  • Prohibition (Section 3):

    • It is unlawful to sell, offer for sale, display for sale, trade, or otherwise distribute a fur product in Massachusetts if any fur came from an animal raised on a fur farm.
    • A sale is considered to occur in Massachusetts if the buyer takes possession in Massachusetts or the seller is located in Massachusetts.

  • Exceptions (Section 4):

    • Used fur products
    • Fur products used for religious purposes
    • Activities expressly authorized by federal law

  • Enforcement and penalties (Section 5):

    • Enforced by the Attorney General; injunctive relief available.
    • Regulations to be promulgated within 6 months of passage.
    • Civil penalties: $500 to $5,000 per violation; each fur product constitutes a separate violation.

  • Effective date (Section 2):

    • The act takes effect one year after passage.

Who is affected

  • Retailers, manufacturers, importers, and sellers of fur products in Massachusetts.
  • Online and out-of-state sellers that ship to Massachusetts (depending on where possession occurs or the seller is located).
  • Businesses dealing with used fur products may be exempt from prohibition.
  • Consumers purchasing fur products in Massachusetts.
  • The Attorney General and regulatory agencies responsible for enforcement and rulemaking.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill was introduced on February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to the Environment and Natural Resources committee; subsequently the House concurred.
  • If enacted, the rules implementing the act would be adopted within 6 months of passage, with the general effective date one year after enactment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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