Farm Animals

Welfare of Farmed Mink

Mink are farmed for fur in intensive cage systems that deny their semi-aquatic, wide-ranging nature, causing severe chronic welfare problems.

Key Facts

Over 60 million mink are killed annually for fur production
Mink require access to water for swimming as a fundamental behavioral need
Cage-farmed mink show stereotypic behaviors at rates up to 80% in some studies
COVID-19 transmission between mink and humans led to mass cullings in several countries
Over 25 countries have banned or phased out mink farming

Welfare Considerations

Mink fur farming inflicts some of the most well-documented and severe welfare harms in intensive animal agriculture. The combination of complete water deprivation, small barren cages, and the impossibility of meeting their semi-aquatic nature means welfare can never be adequate in these systems.

What You Can Do

Never purchase real fur products especially mink fur
Support mink farm ban campaigns in countries still permitting the practice
Donate to animal welfare organizations campaigning for fur farm prohibition
Choose faux fur alternatives for fashion and clothing needs