Farm Animals

Farmed Mink Phase-Out

Mink farming has been banned or phased out in many countries following growing evidence of welfare problems and public concern.

Key Facts

Mink are semi-aquatic carnivores with strong needs for water access and large territories
Battery cage farming denies mink virtually all natural behaviour
The UK banned mink farming in 2000, with bans across most of Europe following
COVID-19 outbreaks on mink farms accelerated many remaining countries to phase out mink farming
Mink feral populations from escapes threaten native wildlife in several countries

Welfare Considerations

Mink farming caused chronic welfare suffering through barren confinement. The near-universal phase-out represents a significant animal welfare victory with lessons for other intensive farming systems.

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing real fur products from any source
Support campaigns for remaining mink farm bans globally
Engage with the fashion industry's transition away from real fur
Support organisations working to end the remaining fur trade globally
Learn about synthetic alternatives to fur that match or exceed its properties