Mink fur farming keeps semi-aquatic carnivores in conditions incompatible with their welfare needs.
Mink are semi-aquatic carnivores that naturally range over large territories and spend significant time in water. Fur farm wire cages prevent all natural behavior. Stereotypic behaviors including repetitive pacing and self-biting develop at high rates as coping responses to chronic frustration. The COVID-19 pandemic created additional welfare and public health crises at mink farms. Legislative bans in over 20 countries reflect growing consensus that mink welfare and intensive farming are irreconcilable.