Online marketplace Etsy has announced it will ban all animal fur sales beginning in August 2026, marking a meaningful win for the movement against cruelty-based fashion.
The change followed sustained pressure from advocates and public criticism, including more than 50 protests to Etsy and affiliate locations in 17 cities, a disruption of Etsy’s Morgan Stanley presentation in San Francisco, and actions by animal protection organizations like LFT’s petition signed by over 37,000 supporters.
Despite its stated commitment to avoiding the promotion of violence, prior to the announced ban Etsy was allowing the sale of fur from animals such as foxes, minks, rabbits, and coyotes.
Under the new policy, Etsy will prohibit products made with natural fur from animals killed primarily for their pelts, “regardless of their age or origin.” The company says the change takes effect on Aug. 11, 2026, and sellers have already been notified.
The fur trade employs brutal killing methods, and countless animals endure intense suffering before death. Etsy’s decision sends a strong message that consumer tolerance for fur is reaching an end — a sentiment mirrored in a larger trend across the fashion industry, where more brands and retailers are moving away from fur.
The policy does not cover taxidermy or other animal-derived materials such as leather, wool, and sheepskin. So while an important step, it is, unfortunately, not a complete end to animal-derived products on the platform.
Lady Freethinker is grateful to the thousands of individuals who signed our petition advocating for this ban on fur. We will keep working to ban the sale of fur throughout the fashion industry to bring the cruel practice of fur farming to an end.
Help us keep the pressure on companies still selling fur: If you haven’t already, please sign our petition urging Berluti to ban all fur sales immediately.
