Fur farming, defined in statute as breeding, raising, and rearing of mink, marten, fox and chinchilla in captivity or enclosures, is authorized by statute as an agricultural pursuit in Washington.  The Director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture (Director) has general authority to adopt rules that prevent the introduction or spreading of infectious diseases into the state, including rules regarding the inspection and testing of all animals in the state or being imported into the state.  The Director also has specific authority to exercise quarantine controls over fur farms.  

Fur farming is prohibited, and statutes authorizing and governing fur farming are repealed.  Producing or manufacturing fur products are also prohibited.  "Fur" is defined as any animal skin or part thereof with hair, fleece, or fur fibers attached, whether in a raw or processed state, and "fur product" means any article of clothing or fashion accessory that is made in whole or in part of fur.  Fur product does not include either cowhide, sheepskin, deerskin, or goatskin with hair attached, or taxidermy.

A violation of any of the prohibitions is a misdemeanor, and each fur product that constitutes a violation is considered a separate offense.  Activities expressly authorized by federal law, fur products used for religious purposes, fur products used by a member of a federally recognized tribe for traditional tribal, cultural, or spiritual purposes, and used fur products are exempt from the prohibition.  Any person who sells or trades used fur products, or products that are exempt from the prohibition on fur product production or manufacture must keep a record of their transactions for at least one year.