Farm Animal Welfare

Farmed Mink Water Access and Natural Behaviour

Mink are semi-aquatic carnivores whose intensive captive housing on wire mesh denies them access to water for swimming, a core natural behaviour.

Key Facts

Mink in the wild swim daily and use water for thermoregulation and hunting
Wire mesh cage floors prevent natural digging and denning
Stereotypies such as repetitive circling affect up to 85% of caged mink
The EU committed to phasing out mink farming following welfare and disease concerns
Mink can be highly stressed by inability to perform semi-aquatic behaviours

Welfare Considerations

Denying mink access to open water represents a fundamental welfare deprivation. Research shows that mink given water access show reduced stereotypy and calmer behaviour. Countries phasing out fur farming cite welfare science as a primary driver.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for fur farming phase-outs in your country
Choose fur-free clothing and fashion brands
Learn about the Five Freedoms framework applied to mink farming
Share the welfare science behind mink captivity with your network