How Many animals are killed for the leather business every year?

Over a billion animals are killed for their skins every year. The skin is what is used to make leather. It’s tanned, dried, and shined, and then turned into belts, purses, and other materials that people use to show off their wealth. Animal skin leather is typically very pricy; the more “exotic” the animal to the buyers, the more expensive that leather can be and people will still find it reasonable.

Animals typically killed for meat but have their skins used for leather include cows, calves, and pigs. By no means is this an extensive list. Other animals killed mainly for the skins include crocodiles, alligators, zebras, and even eels. The leather industry is a cruel business, but is considered profitable, so the legislation has no reason to stop it. That’s the saddest part.