Mink farming confines semi-aquatic predators in small wire cages — a practice banned across much of Europe but continuing globally, causing profound welfare harm.
Mink farming causes some of the most severe welfare harm in commercial animal production. These are wide-ranging predators with a strong drive to swim — both behaviours completely denied in wire cages. Stereotypic pacing, circling, and self-mutilation are near-universal on mink farms, indicating chronic frustration and psychological distress. COVID-19 cullings, where millions of mink were gassed in mass events, provided a horrifying illustration of what happens when welfare-ignorant industry meets crisis. The case for a global ban on mink farming is scientifically overwhelming.