Mink Farming Welfare and the Move Toward Bans

Mink are semi-aquatic carnivores that suffer greatly on fur farms, with growing scientific consensus supporting bans now enacted in over 20 countries.

Key Facts

Over 60 million mink are killed annually on fur farms worldwide
Denmark, the Netherlands, France, Italy, and over 20 other countries have banned mink fur farming
During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of mink on Dutch and Danish farms were culled after virus transmission
Mink have strong instinctual needs to swim, run, and hunt that cannot be met in cages

Welfare Considerations

Scientific reviews consistently find that standard cage conditions for mink are incompatible with their welfare. Mink show high rates of stereotypic behavior including repetitive pacing, head-bobbing, and self-mutilation. Lack of access to water for swimming causes chronic frustration. Aggression between caged animals causes injuries. Gassing with CO2 at slaughter causes pain and prolonged distress. Despite enrichment requirements in some regulations, the fundamental constraints of cage farming cannot adequately address mink welfare. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted additional risks of disease transmission in densely populated fur farms. Consumer demand for natural fur has declined significantly in recent years.

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing real fur products and check labels carefully
Support organizations campaigning for fur farming bans in remaining countries
Advocate for transparency in fashion brand supply chains regarding fur
Support politicians who champion fur farming legislation
Choose certified fur-free fashion brands