As mink farming declines globally due to welfare concerns and market shifts, supporting the transition of mink farming communities to alternative livelihoods is both a welfare and social justice imperative.
The decline of mink farming is a welfare success that requires careful management of the transition to prevent harm to farming communities and ensure remaining animals are treated humanely during phase-out. Animals on closing farms must receive appropriate care until slaughter or sanctuary placement — welfare responsibility does not end because an industry is ending. Supporting alternative livelihood development for affected farming communities is the ethical complement to welfare advocacy for the animals themselves.