Farmed Animals

Mink Farming Welfare and Phase-Outs

Mink farming for fur is being phased out across Europe following welfare concerns and disease risks highlighted during COVID-19 outbreaks on farms.

Key Facts

Mink are semi-aquatic carnivores with extensive ranging needs in the wild
Farm mink are kept in wire mesh cages roughly 60 by 45 cm for their entire lives
Over 20 European countries have banned or are phasing out mink farming
COVID-19 outbreaks on Danish mink farms led to culling of 17 million animals in 2020
Stereotypic behavior is extremely common in farm mink indicating chronic stress

Welfare Considerations

Mink farming causes severe welfare harms. Wire cage confinement prevents swimming and normal predatory behavior. Stereotypic pacing and self-mutilation rates are very high. The 2020 mass cull of millions of mink to prevent COVID spread revealed the scale of operations and accelerated legislative phase-outs. Consumer rejection of fur is the most direct market-based welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Avoid purchasing products made from real fur including mink trim on clothing
Support fur farm phase-out legislation in countries still permitting mink farming
Celebrate and promote the growing list of countries banning fur farming
Choose faux fur or plant-based alternatives for any fashion needs
Support animal welfare organizations working on fur industry campaigns