Farm Animals

Welfare of Farmed Mink During Pandemic Culling

The mass culling of mink on farms during disease outbreaks raises significant welfare concerns about methods and speed of killing.

Key Facts

Denmark culled 17 million mink in 2020 due to COVID-19 mutations
Carbon dioxide gassing is the primary method used in mass cullings
Mink farms house animals in small wire cages their entire lives
Mink are semi-aquatic carnivores with high activity needs
Culling operations can take days leaving animals in extended distress

Welfare Considerations

Mink farming is inherently welfare-poor, confining active animals in tiny wire cages. Mass culling during disease outbreaks adds extreme additional suffering: CO2 gassing causes distress, animals in lower cages in stacks may be exposed to insufficient concentrations, and logistical failures mean some animals wait for extended periods. The entire mink farming industry imposes severe and unnecessary suffering.

What You Can Do

Oppose mink farming and purchase only faux fur products
Support fashion brands committed to fur-free policies
Advocate for bans on fur farming in your country
Donate to organizations working to end the fur trade