Fur Farm Phase-Out Policies | Animal Welfare Hub

More than 20 countries have banned or phased out fur farming on welfare grounds, offering a model for global elimination of one of the most welfare-compromising industries.

Key Facts

Countries that have banned fur farming include the UK, Austria, Netherlands, and Hungary
Global mink production exceeds 50 million pelts annually, concentrated in China, Denmark, and Poland
Welfare studies consistently show high rates of stereotypic behavior in farmed mink and foxes
COVID-19 forced mass culls of tens of millions of farmed mink in multiple countries
Consumer demand for fur has declined significantly in Western markets over the past decade

Welfare Considerations

Fur farming confines semi-aquatic, wide-ranging carnivores in small wire mesh cages where they cannot swim, hunt, or roam — behaviors for which they are strongly motivated. The result is pervasive stereotypic behavior, self-mutilation, and chronic stress. The science is clear and the policy consensus is growing: fur farming is incompatible with adequate animal welfare. Phase-out policies, where farms are given transition periods to close and farmers are offered adjustment support, have been implemented across much of Europe and offer a replicable template for global elimination of the industry.

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing real fur or fur-trimmed fashion items
Support campaigns urging retailers to go fur-free
Advocate for fur farming bans in countries where legislation is pending
Support welfare organizations campaigning for global fur phase-outs
Choose synthetic alternatives to fur and promote them to others