Mink farming for fur is being phased out across much of Europe, with welfare science and changing consumer attitudes driving legislative bans.
Mink farming welfare has been extensively studied and the findings are consistently negative: caged mink show high rates of stereotypic pacing and self-directed behaviors indicating chronic psychological frustration. Mink are evolved for large home ranges and semi-aquatic behavior that cages cannot accommodate. The phase-out movement reflects a growing consensus that mink welfare cannot be adequately addressed within viable commercial farming parameters. The transition to fur alternatives is proceeding without significant economic disruption to fashion industry users.