Farm Animals

Farmed Mink Welfare and the Case for Phase-Out

Mink are semi-aquatic, wide-ranging carnivores wholly unsuited to cage farming. Their welfare on fur farms is severely compromised, and COVID-19 outbreaks added a major public health dimension.

Key Facts

Wild mink range over several kilometers of waterways daily — farm cages allow virtually no movement
Stereotypic behaviors including weaving and self-mutilation affect up to 85% of farmed mink
COVID-19 mutated in farmed mink and was transmitted to humans in multiple countries
Over 20 million mink were culled in Denmark in 2020 as a COVID-19 biosecurity measure
Multiple European countries have banned mink farming since 2020 for welfare and biosecurity reasons

Welfare Considerations

Mink on fur farms cannot swim, hunt, or range — all behaviors central to their natural repertoire. The resulting chronic frustration produces high rates of stereotypic behavior and self-mutilation. The COVID-19 outbreak in mink farms also revealed major biosecurity risks from keeping millions of semi-wild animals in dense confinement. Phase-out of mink farming is accelerating globally driven by both welfare and public health grounds.

What You Can Do

Avoid all mink fur products including coats, trim, and accessories
Support fur-free commitments from fashion brands and retailers
Advocate for mink farm bans in your country
Donate to organizations campaigning for the end of mink fur farming
Share information about the welfare and biosecurity case for mink farm phase-out