India has banned import of seal furs and skins. The decision is the result of years of campaigning by Indian animal rights groups. India joins 36 other nations in banning the commercial sale of products made from the fur or skins of seals. Thousands of seals are brutally shot or clubbed to death for their fur and skin each year.

Canada’s commercial seal hunt happens to be the largest slaughter of marine mammals in the world. Slowly but surely, the tide is turning for animals who have long been victimized by the fur trade. In March, San Francisco became the largest city in the US to ban the sale of fur. The sale of fur has been banned in London while Norway has officially outlawed fur farming.

Going fur free has become a major move among brands and retailers seeking to advance their sustainability agendas. Brands like DKNY and Donna Karan have banned fur from their collections. They believe killing animals to make fashion doesn’t feel right.

While animal welfare continues to become increasingly relevant among major apparel players, and consumers continue to demand more ethical shopping options, more industry members are opting to omit angora, exotic skins and fur from their products.