The non-profit organization Last Chance for Animals (“LCA”) notified the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (“CDFW”) and California Attorney General Rob Bonta that GK Furs, Sakowitz Furs, and the Fur and Leather Company are violating California Fish & Game Code Section 2023 by allowing the sale and delivery of new fur products to California through their online retail stores and requested enforcement action.

California Fish & Game Code Section 2023(b)(1) provides that “It is unlawful to sell, offer for sale, display for sale, trade, or otherwise distribute for monetary or nonmonetary consideration a fur product in the state.”

“Fur” is defined as “any animal skin or part thereof with hair, fleece, or fur fibers attached thereto, either in its raw or processed state.” (Fish & Game Code § 2023(a)(1).) A “fur product” is defined as “any article of clothing or covering for any part of the body, or any fashion accessory, including, but not limited to, handbags, shoes, slippers, hats, earmuffs, scarves, shawls, gloves, jewelry, keychains, toys or trinkets, and home accessories and decor, that is made in whole or in part of fur.” (Fish & Game Code § 2023(a)(2)(A).) Used fur is excluded.

As of July 16, 2026, GK Furs sold new fur coats online that could be shipped to California. According to LCA, as a result, new fur products are being unlawfully offered for sale, displayed for sale, and distributed for monetary consideration in California.

Sakowitz Furs, as of the same date, had for sale new fur coats online that could be shipped to California. Again, new fur products are being unlawfully offered for sale, displayed for sale, and distributed for monetary consideration in California.

Also, as of July 16, 2026, the Fur and Leather Company had fur-trim coats for sale online, which could be shipped to California.

LCA notified the retailers of these violations by email and mail. None of the retailers have responded to LCA’s request that they cease and desist from such illegal online activities.

Chris DeRose, Founder & President, Last Chance for Animals noted: “California’s fur ban was a major victory for the animals, but passing a law is only the first step. It must be enforced. Animals suffer and die for the sake of fashion. Retailers should not be allowed to profit from that cruelty by disregarding California law.” 

As set forth in Fish & Game Code Section 2023, anyone who violates this law is subject to civil penalties, and the Attorney General may bring a civil action against them. (Fish & Game Code § 2023(e)–(f).) 

Further, “any penalty imposed shall be transferred to the Controller for deposit in the Fish and Game Preservation Fund in accordance with Section 13001 and used exclusively for the purposes described in Section 1771 and for the enforcement of this section.” (Fish & Game Code § 2023(f)(1).) Additionally, “the reasonable costs of investigation, reasonable attorney’s fees, and reasonable expert witness’ fees may also be recovered, and those amounts shall be credited to the same operating funds as those from which the expenditures for those purposes were derived.” (Fish & Game Code § 2023(f)(2).)

“California voters and lawmakers sent a clear message: selling new fur products in our state is unacceptable,” said Sarah Thompson, counsel for Last Chance for Animals. “Rather than complying with the law, these stores have chosen total silence. The State needs to step in and enforce its own laws. Otherwise, what is the point of having them?”

LCA is calling on CDFW and the Attorney General to act now to enforce Fish & Game Code Section 2023 and prevent continued violations of California law.

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About Last Chance for Animals: Last Chance for Animals (LCA) is an international, non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating animal exploitation through education, investigations, legislation, and media attention. LCA believes thatanimals are highly sentient creatures who exist for their own reasons independent of their service to humans; they should not be made to suffer for the latter. LCA opposes the use of animals in food and clothing production, scientific experimentation, and entertainment and promotes a cruelty-free lifestyle and the ascription of rights to non-human beings.

https://www.lcanimal.org/

About Thompson Animal Law: Thompson Animal Law is a dedicated animal law firm representing people, families, non-profit organizations, and mission-driven businesses in legal matters involving animals. As a vegan-owned firm, Thompson Animal Law advocates with clients to end animal exploitation. 

www.thompsonanimallaw.com