Livestock

Mink Farming Welfare

Mink farming for fur is one of the most contentious animal agriculture sectors globally, with growing evidence of serious chronic welfare problems.

Key Facts

Around 50-60 million mink are farmed annually worldwide, primarily in Denmark, China and Poland
Mink are semi-aquatic predators with large home ranges in the wild
Wire cage battery systems deny swimming, exploration and full locomotion
Stereotypic behaviours including repetitive pacing affect over 50% of caged mink
COVID-19 outbreaks on mink farms led to mass culling of millions of animals in 2020-2021

Welfare Considerations

Mink are among the least domesticated farm animals. Wild mink roam several kilometres daily and require access to water for swimming. Caged mink show extremely high rates of stereotypies, self-mutilation and cannibalism. The fur industry's own research acknowledges chronic welfare problems. Many European countries have banned mink farming, while others continue production.

What You Can Do

Avoid all fur products and products trimmed with fur
Support campaigns for national bans on mink farming
Choose faux-fur alternatives from manufacturers that do not use real fur
Donate to organisations documenting and campaigning against fur farming