Arctic foxes are farmed for their fur primarily in Finland and Norway. Despite their cold-climate origins, farmed foxes face welfare challenges that have drawn increasing regulatory and public attention.
Arctic fox farming causes welfare problems through both confinement and selective breeding. Animals cannot perform natural behaviors including extensive running, burrowing, and hunting. The extreme size selective breeding practiced in Finnish farms causes joint problems, obesity, and difficulty moving. These animals suffer from both physical and behavioral deprivation. Finland plans to phase out fur farming, but the timeline extends years and millions of animals will be born into these conditions before the transition completes.