Farmed Mink Welfare and the Case for Phase-Out

Welfare evidence supporting the phase-out of mink farming, the most common form of fur production globally.

Key Facts

Approximately 50-60 million mink are farmed globally each year for fur, primarily in Europe and China
Mink are semi-aquatic carnivores that exhibit strong motivation to access water for swimming
Barren wire cage housing in standard fur farms prevents all swimming, predator evasion, and natural behavior
Stereotypic behaviors including repetitive pacing and self-biting affect a significant proportion of farmed mink
Over 20 countries have banned or committed to phasing out mink farming due to welfare concerns

Welfare Considerations

The welfare case against mink farming is among the most thoroughly documented in animal agriculture. Mink are semi-wild predators with strong behavioral drives — including the need to swim, hunt, and establish territories — that are completely incompossible with wire cage confinement. The resulting stereotype behaviors are present in a significant minority of farmed individuals and indicate chronic behavioral frustration. More than 20 countries have reached the conclusion that mink farming is incompatible with acceptable animal welfare standards and have banned or are phasing it out. Where mink farming continues, it does so against mounting scientific and regulatory evidence.

What You Can Do

Avoid all real fur products — no fur farming system can meet mink welfare needs
Support bans on fur farming in jurisdictions where they are being considered
Advocate for trade restrictions on fur imports from countries with no welfare standards
Support the transition of fur farmers to alternative livelihoods through just transition programs