Farm Animal Welfare

Farmed Mink Welfare and Fur Farming

Mink are semi-aquatic carnivores that suffer significantly in conventional fur farm cage conditions that cannot meet their complex behavioural needs.

Key Facts

Around 30 million mink are killed for fur annually, mainly in Europe and China
Conventional wire cages provide no water access for swimming and no space for exploration
Stereotypic behaviours including pacing, circling and self-mutilation are widespread
Multiple European countries have banned mink farming including the Netherlands, UK, and Germany
COVID-19 outbreaks led to mass culling of millions of mink in Denmark and other countries

Welfare Considerations

Mink are highly motivated to swim and explore. Wire cage confinement prevents both, causing chronic stress and stereotypic behaviour in a large proportion of animals. Welfare research consistently shows high levels of frustration and suffering on fur farms. The combination of animal welfare concerns and COVID-19 biosecurity risks has accelerated bans in many European countries.

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing real fur products
Support campaigns for a global ban on fur farming
Check clothing labels carefully and reject products containing real fur
Advocate for faster phase-out of fur farming in countries where it continues
Support legislative campaigns in countries still permitting mink farming