Mink farming has been banned in many European countries following welfare science showing the species is poorly adapted to captive conditions, with remaining farms facing increasing pressure.
Mink welfare in farming systems is severely compromised by the fundamental mismatch between their biological needs and the conditions available in wire mesh cage systems. Mink are wide-ranging predators with complex spatial and aquatic needs that small cages cannot meet. The prevalence of stereotypic behaviours in farmed mink is among the highest of any farmed species and indicates chronic psychological suffering. Welfare science has been instrumental in driving bans, and the trend toward phase-out is continuing. Consumers avoiding fur products and companies eliminating fur from their supply chains are driving commercial change.