MEDIA RELEASE/BREAKING: Etsy to Ban All Fur Sales – IDA – In Defense of Animals

BROOKLYN, N.Y. (April 3, 2026) — In a decisive move signaling the continued collapse of the fur industry, global marketplace Etsy has announced a total ban on the sale of animal fur products across its platform, effective August 11, 2026. The policy, which includes “vintage” items, marks a significant victory for animal protection advocates who have long called for the platform to align its “Keep Commerce Human” mission with humane practices.
The company shared the update directly with sellers, stating: “As part of our ongoing biodiversity efforts, Etsy will prohibit the sale of fur trade items starting in August.” The policy will require the removal of items made from animals killed primarily for their pelts, signaling a shift toward more ethical and sustainable commerce.
Etsy updated its Animal Products Policy on April 2, 2026, explicitly prohibiting products made from animals killed primarily for their pelts. The new rules state: 
“In addition to prohibiting products made from endangered and threatened species, Etsy prohibits products made from or containing natural fur from animals killed primarily for their pelts, regardless of age or origin. This includes products like raw pelts, finished garments, and accessories made with real fur from animals such as mink, fox, and rabbit.” 
The policy excludes taxidermy and byproducts such as leather, sheepskin, wool, or mohair.
In Defense of Animals, which has led the charge against the fur trade for over 40 years, is celebrating the decision as a turning point for the industry. 
“This milestone reflects the growing global rejection of fur and the power of sustained public pressure,” said Lisa Levinson, Campaigns Director for In Defense of Animals. “For decades, our Fur Free Friday campaign has exposed the cruelty of the fur industry. We are thrilled to see Etsy take this compassionate step toward protecting animals.”
The ban follows an intensive advocacy campaign. More than 20,000 In Defense of Animals supporters wrote to Etsy’s leadership team — including CEO Josh Silverman, Chief Product Officer Kruti Goyal, and Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Jill Simeone — urging Etsy to join the ranks of other major retailers like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom in going fur-free.
“Etsy’s decision is a clear sign that the fur trade is losing its foothold in the modern marketplace,” said Katie Nolan, Wild Animals Campaigner at In Defense of Animals. “As major platforms cut off avenues for sales, it’s becoming increasingly clear that profiting from animal suffering is no longer economically sustainable. Clinging to fur isn’t a livelihood, it’s an outdated and cruel tradition that has no place in society.”
This decision comes amid growing awareness of the inherent cruelty behind fur production. The fur industry relies on extreme cruelty. On fur farms, animals such as foxes, minks, and raccoon dogs are confined to tiny cages with no room to move and endure lives of stress before being violently killed. Wild animals trapped for fur suffer in leghold traps and other brutal devices, often languishing for hours or days in pain and fear before their deaths.
As more brands and platforms turn away from fur, momentum continues to build toward a future free from animal suffering in fashion. Advocates are now urging the public to maintain pressure on remaining retailers still profiting from fur and to visit furkills.org to take further action.
“With this change, we will continue to work to usher in a new era of compassion, one where we do not profit from the harm of others,” says Katie Nolan of In Defense of Animals. “That is what the world so desperately needs.”
 
Contact: Katie Nolan, katie@idausa.org, (203) 823-8228
 
In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization based in California with over 250,000 supporters and a history of fighting for animals, people, and the environment through education and campaigns as well as hands-on rescue facilities in California, India, South Korea, and rural Mississippi, since 1983. https://www.idausa.org/fur 
 
 
### ENDS ###
Fight Animal Cruelty!
ANIMAL ACTIVIST SUPPORT LINE
1 800 705 0425
ASK FOR CARE
IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS

1020 B STREET
SAN RAFAEL
CA 94901

415-448-0048

TAX ID: 68-000-8936
© 2026 In defense of animals
FIGHTING FOR ANIMALS, PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT SINCE 1983

source