West Hollywood fur ban rally, photo by Tahsin Hyder

Expanding on its 1989 regulation, which made the city a "cruelty-free zone for animals," West Hollywood has outlawed the sale or trading of fur within city limits. Only businesses that sell fur second-hand, like pawn shops, will be exempt from the law. 

Mayor Pro Tempore, John D'Amico, along with city council member Jeffrey Prang said a few words to everyone who came out to support. 

"As the elected city council members of this city, we often have and lean forward into civil and human, and organizational rights, and some times we take a little flack," said D'Amico. 

Critics have argued that the ban would harm local businesses, driving out sales to bordering Beverly Hills. However, Ellen Lavinthal of Animal Alliance, disagrees and is ready to show West Hollywood businesses that this ban is exactly the reason why people choose to shop in WeHo. 

As a part of the campaign, non-monetary coupons were printed to be passed out to local businesses by customers who shop in West Hollywood. Lavinthal had this to say as she passed out these coupons that read "I'm shopping in West Hollywood because it's FUR-FREE!!!"

"We want to let West Hollywood know that we shop in cities that are compassionate. We want them to know that this is not going to, as the Fur Council and the Chamber is claiming, cost them money. We want them to know that we actually will be shopping in West Hollywood, and spending our money there, because of this ordinance."

After Monday's ban on circuses and Saturday's fur ban in West Hollywood, city council members say they will continue to fight for animal's rights and set a precedent for other cities to follow. 

Reach Tahsin Hyder here.