The movement to ban mink farming has achieved significant legislative victories across Europe and beyond, driven by both welfare evidence and pandemic-related biosecurity concerns.
The convergence of animal welfare science, pandemic biosecurity risk, and consumer demand for fur-free fashion has created a powerful coalition driving mink farming toward extinction in many jurisdictions. The industry's own response - arguing for improved welfare standards rather than accepting the fundamental incompatibility of cage farming with mink behavioral needs - has not prevented bans in welfare-progressive countries.