Mink farming confines semi-aquatic, highly mobile predators in small wire cages. The science of mink welfare and growing phase-out commitments from governments worldwide reflect recognition of fundamental welfare problems.
Mink farming confines an active, semi-aquatic predator in conditions fundamentally incompatible with its behavioral needs. Mink in wire cages cannot swim, run, or hunt - the activities that constitute their natural behavioral repertoire. The result is widespread stereotypic behavior: repetitive, purposeless pacing and weaving that indicates chronic frustration. This is not an edge case or a management failure that can be remedied within the system - it reflects the fundamental incompatibility of intensive fur farming with mink welfare. The growing number of national phase-out decisions reflects scientific consensus that welfare standards adequate for mink are incompatible with viable commercial fur production.