Farm Animals

Farmed Mink Welfare and Phase-Out Efforts

Mink farming for fur involves keeping highly active, semi-aquatic carnivores in small wire cages. Welfare problems are widespread and many countries are phasing out or banning the practice.

Key Facts

Over 20 European countries have banned or announced phase-outs of mink farming since 2000
Mink naturally travel up to 4km daily and require water for swimming behavior
Stereotypic repetitive behaviors are observed in over 80% of mink in conventional cage systems
COVID-19 outbreaks on mink farms led to emergency culling of millions of animals across Europe

Welfare Considerations

Mink farming is widely recognized as incompatible with good welfare for this semi-aquatic, wide-ranging species. Conventional wire-cage systems prevent virtually all natural behaviors. Stereotypic pacing and scrabbling indicate chronic frustration. The global trend toward phase-outs and bans reflects growing consensus that the welfare costs of mink farming cannot be justified for fur production.

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing fur products from mink or any farmed fur species
Support campaigns for mink farming bans in countries where they still operate
Choose synthetic or plant-based alternatives to fur in clothing and accessories
Advocate for welfare transition support for mink farmers shifting to alternative livelihoods