politics
Etsy to Ban Sales of Animal Fur Items Starting August 11
Etsy notified sellers on April 2 of a policy change banning fur sales starting in August as part of biodiversity efforts. The ban requires removal of fur items by August 11 and excludes taxidermy and leather. Indigenous artisans like Lisa Pottle, who relies on Etsy for income, plan to continue sales until the deadline.
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# Etsy Bans Fur Sales Starting August Etsy sent an email to sellers on April 2 announcing a ban on the sale of fur starting in August. The new policy requires removal of fur items from the website by August 11. Etsy's policy change is part of ongoing biodiversity efforts.
Etsy's new policy bans all items containing fur from animals killed primarily for their pelts. U.S. Endangered Species Act or listed in Appendix I of CITES. Etsy's ban does not include taxidermy or byproduct materials such as leather.
runs the Etsy shop Spirit Sisters By Lisa where she makes jewelry with beads and fur.
Lisa Pottle recently purchased rabbit and foxtail fur for earrings. Lisa Pottle had just started doing beaded cabochons with fur on the bottom. Lisa Pottle sells around 15 items a month on Etsy. Lisa Pottle's Etsy shop is her only source of income.
Lisa Pottle is originally from Nunatsiavut but now lives in Nova Scotia.
is considering switching platforms to sell on Shopify.
Lisa Pottle will continue selling fur earrings on Etsy until the ban comes into effect in August. Doug Chiasson is the executive director of the Fur Institute of Canada. Doug Chiasson wrote an open letter to Etsy's CEO expressing disappointment and concern about the impact on Indigenous communities.
Doug Chiasson has not heard back from Etsy on his letter. Etsy has not responded to CBC’s multiple requests for comment. CBC reported on the policy change and its effects on sellers like Pottle.
