Countries phasing out mink farming following welfare science and public concern face transition challenges including caring for existing animals during the closure period and rehoming or humanely managing millions of animals.
Mink farming phase-outs create a unique welfare challenge: the welfare case for the ban is clear, but the transition requires the humane management of millions of animals on farms awaiting closure. The period between ban announcement and implementation must include welfare monitoring to ensure existing animals are properly cared for and not abandoned. The ultimate welfare outcome — the end of mink farming — is achieved only if the transition itself is managed without creating new welfare harms.