Etna passes prohibition on fur products

When Etna council unanimously passed an ordinance prohibiting the first-generation sale of fur products at its July 18 meeting, Etna became the first municipality in the state and the 14th in the nation to ban fur products, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

“First-generation” refers to newly produced for sale products.

Thirteen other cities, the state of California, and Israel have also banned the first-generation sales of fur products, according to the Humane Society.

The ordinance follows the borough’s passage in March of an animal protection package, updating Etna’s animal code for the first time in 33 years. That package included a ban on declawing cats, a ban on unattended tethering of cats and enhanced measures protecting dogs in extreme weather.

Humane Society of the United States volunteer leader Tara Czekaj attended the July 18 meeting and applauded council’s decision.

“Most fur products originate from inhumane fur farms that have been linked to the spread of covid-19, but some fur products originate from animals trapped in the wild,” Czekaj said. “Furbearers — like foxes, weasels, mink, muskrats, otters, and beavers — live along Pine Creek and the Allegheny River in Etna. Passing this ordinance is just one way Etna can protect the furbearers in their community.”

Czekaj said the ordinance does have a grandfather clause for leather because leather is a by-product of the meat industry and also for second-hand fur products.

“So, if you have your grandmother’s mink stole or something like that, we want to make sure that that product is honored and the sacrifice for that product is honored.”

Carol Whaley, another Humane Society volunteer leader attending the meeting, said she was grateful to Etna.

“They’re going to be leading the way for other municipalities to pass similar legislation,” Whaley said.

Councilwoman Colleen Schaefer cosponsored the animal protection legislation.

“As a resident and a pet parent, I’m grateful for our council’s support on animal protection issues. Etna’s animal code used to be largely agricultural, and our community has grown beyond that with very different animal needs,” she said. “It’s important that our council look at gaps in our community and address those gaps with policy where possible.”

For its efforts in addressing animal welfare and overall pet health, Etna has been named an Animal Friends Compassionate Community. As an Animal Friends Compassionate Community, Etna residents will receive access to discounts on spay/neuter services, training classes, and the Animal Friends’ Chow Wagon pet food pantry.

Resident Karen Becki expressed gratitude for the new community partnership.

“Pet owners in Etna will now have access to low-cost veterinary services and a pet food bank that will absolutely support both the owners and animals in our community,” she said. “This will help to keep animals in loving homes.“