Farmed Mink Welfare in Transition

Mink farming is being phased out across much of Europe following welfare concerns and pandemic biosecurity risks, raising questions about welfare during transition.

Key Facts

Denmark, the world's largest mink producer, culled its entire national herd of 15-17 million in 2020 following COVID-19 outbreaks
Over 20 European countries have banned or are phasing out mink farming
Mink are semi-aquatic carnivores with strong motivation for water, enrichment, and predatory behaviour
Conventional cage mink farming was consistently documented to cause stereotypic behaviour in the majority of animals
The Netherlands phase-out was completed in 2024 following a parliamentary ban
Remaining operations in producing countries face increasing welfare regulation

Welfare Considerations

The mink farming phase-out across Europe is one of the most significant large-scale farm animal welfare achievements of recent decades. Decades of welfare research documenting stereotypies, frustration behaviour, and the impossibility of meeting basic mink behavioural needs in cage systems created the evidence base for legislation. The pandemic provided additional impetus. For remaining operations, the transition period raises welfare concerns: will animals be maintained at adequate standards during phase-out, and will alternative livelihoods for farmers be sufficient to prevent welfare neglect?

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing new fur products
Support organisations monitoring welfare compliance during phase-out periods
Advocate for comprehensive fur farming bans in countries where production continues
Support economic transition programmes for affected farming communities
Celebrate and publicise the welfare achievement of European fur farming bans