Farmed Animals

Mink Welfare and Fur Farm Bans

Mink farming for fur is one of the most welfare-compromised animal industries, with bans spreading across Europe as evidence of suffering mounts.

Key Facts

Mink are semi-aquatic carnivores that swim up to 30 miles in the wild
Farmed mink are kept in wire cages with no water access for swimming
Over 85% of farmed mink show stereotypic behaviors indicating chronic stress
20+ European countries have banned or are phasing out mink farming

Welfare Considerations

Mink cannot express their natural behavioral repertoire on fur farms — swimming, hunting, and ranging are all prevented. Wire cage floors cause foot injuries. Stereotypies (repetitive pacing, spinning) are present in the majority of farmed mink and indicate severe psychological suffering. Mink farms also pose zoonotic disease risks, as shown by COVID-19 outbreaks.

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing products containing mink fur
Support national bans on mink farming
Advocate for brands to commit to fur-free policies
Support mink rescue organizations in countries without bans