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{{Short description|Practice of breeding or raising animals for their fur}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
[[File:Mink farm 1908.jpg|thumb|[[Mink]] farm (after 1900)]]
[[File:MinkFarmWisconsin2007.jpg|thumb|A [[mink]] farm in the United States]]
[[File:Turkistila Pohjanmaalla.jpg|thumb|275px|A fur farm in [[Ostrobothnia (region)|Ostrobothnia]], [[Finland]]]]
[[File:Ferma norek w Polsce.jpg|thumb|A [[mink]] farm in [[Poland]]]]
[[File:Countries banning fur farming.png|thumb|275px|Map of countries that banned fur farming.]]
[[File:Mink farm 1908.jpg|thumb|A [[mink]] farm (after 1900)]]
[[File:MinkFarmWisconsin2007.jpg|thumb|A mink farm in the United States]]
[[File:Ferma norek w Polsce.jpg|thumb|A mink farm in [[Poland]]]]
'''Fur farming''' is the practice of breeding or raising certain types of [[animal]]s for their [[fur]].
'''Fur farming''' is the practice of breeding or raising certain types of [[animal]]s for their [[fur]].


Most of the world's farmed fur was produced by European farmers{{fact|date=May 2024}}. In 2018, there were 5,000 fur farms in the [[European Union|EU]], located across 22 countries; these areas of production collectively accounted for 50% of the global production of farmed fur.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wearefur.com/responsible-fur/farming/fur-farming-europe/|title=Fur Farming Europe: Regulations, Welfur and Sustainability • We Are Fur|access-date=24 November 2018|archive-date=25 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125030854/https://www.wearefur.com/responsible-fur/farming/fur-farming-europe/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="International Fur Trade Federation">{{cite web | url = http://www.iftf.com/publctns/4849Intls_eEng.pdf| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004402/http://www.iftf.com/publctns/4849Intls_eEng.pdf| archive-date = 13 July 2011| title=The Socio-Economic Impact of International Fur Farming| author = International Fur Trade Federation| access-date = 7 May 2009}}</ref> However, by 2023 only 11 countries in the EU still farmed animals for fur, and three of these countries had issued a legal ban on the activity effective within several years.{{sfn|European Commission|2023|p=8–9}}
Fur used from animals caught in the wild is not considered farmed fur, and is instead known as "wild fur".
Most of the world’s farmed fur is produced by European farmers. There are 5,000 fur farms in the [[European Union|EU]], all located across 22 countries; these areas of production collectively account for 50% of the global production of farmed fur.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wearefur.com/responsible-fur/farming/fur-farming-europe/|title=Fur Farming Europe: Regulations, Welfur and Sustainability • We Are Fur|access-date=24 November 2018|archive-date=25 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125030854/https://www.wearefur.com/responsible-fur/farming/fur-farming-europe/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="International Fur Trade Federation">{{cite web | url = http://www.iftf.com/publctns/4849Intls_eEng.pdf| archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110713004402/http://www.iftf.com/publctns/4849Intls_eEng.pdf| archivedate = 13 July 2011| title=The Socio-Economic Impact of International Fur Farming| author = International Fur Trade Federation| accessdate = 7 May 2009}}</ref>
The EU accounts for 63% of global mink production and 70% of fox production. Denmark is the leading mink-producing country, accounting for approximately 28% of world production. The top three fur producers are [[Denmark]], [[Poland]] and [[China|China.]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Polish fur industry is in crisis|url=https://animainternational.org/blog/the-polish-fur-industry-is-in-crisis/|access-date=2020-09-30|website=animainternational.org|language=en}}</ref> [[Finland]] is the largest United States supplier of fox pelts.
The United States is a major exporter of fur skins. Major export markets include China, Russia, Canada, and the EU. Exports to [[Asia]] as a share of total exports grew from 22% in 1998 to 47% in 2002.<ref>{{cite web | title=Industry & Trade Summary – Jan 2004 | url=http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub3666.pdf | access-date=8 January 2010 | archive-date=27 May 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527132522/http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub3666.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref>
China is the largest importer of fur pelts in the world and the largest exporter of finished fur products.<ref name="BBC">{{cite news|title=What are the rules on wearing fur?|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4603032.stm|date=12 January 2006|accessdate=24 March 2008|work=BBC News|archive-date=23 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223040942/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4603032.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>


The EU accounted for 63% of global [[#Mink|mink]] production and 70% of [[#Fox|fox]] production. Globally, the top fur producers were [[China]] and [[Finland]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mishler |first=Jennifer |date=2023-03-17 |title=Fur Farming: Is It Still Legal in the United States? |url=https://sentientmedia.org/fur-farming/ |access-date=2024-05-10 |website=Sentient Media |language=en-US |quote=Finland is the top EU producer of fox fur and globally is second only to China.}}</ref> [[Denmark]] was also leading, accounting for approximately 28% of world mink fur production, until its government culled all of the farmers' stocks [[2020 Danish mink cull|without legal authority]] in 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Not fur sale: COVID-19 brings Dutch mink farming to an end |newspaper=The Economist |publisher=The Economist Newspaper Limited |issue=5-11 September 2020 |url=https://www.economist.com/europe/2020/09/05/covid-19-ends-dutch-mink-farming}}</ref> [[Finland]] is the largest United States supplier of fox pelts.
Fur farming is banned in [[#Austria|Austria]],<ref>Charles Clover [https://web.archive.org/web/20040128175619/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/htmlContent.jhtml?html=%2Farchive%2F1999%2F05%2F13%2Fwmin13.html Europe kicks up a stink over British move to ban mink], [[Telegraph.co.uk]], 13 May 1999</ref><ref name="infurmation">[https://web.archive.org/web/20090116015047/http://www.infurmation.com/furfarmlegislation.php Fur Farming Legislation Around The World], Infurmation.com</ref> [[Croatia]],<ref name="infurmation" /><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090415190553/http://www.fashionfinland.com/en/news/article/fur_farmers_backed_into_a_corner/ Fur Farmers Backed into a Corner], fashionFINLAND.com, 2 January 2007</ref> the United Kingdom,<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/1035944.stm MPs vote to ban fur farms] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807182135/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/1035944.stm |date=7 August 2016 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807182135/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/1035944.stm |date=7 August 2016 }}. BBC News, 22 November 2000. Retrieved on 10 May 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2002/10/contents Fur Farming (Prohibition) (Scotland) Act 2002] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014085317/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2002/10/contents |date=14 October 2012 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014085317/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2002/10/contents |date=14 October 2012 }}. legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved on 28 May 2012.</ref> the [[Czech Republic]] (effective in 2019)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.furfreealliance.com/czech-fur-farming-ban-signed-president-zeman/ |title=Czech Fur Farming Ban Signed by President Zeman |date=5 August 2017 |website=Fur Free Alliance |publisher=Fur Free Alliance |access-date=10 August 2017 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810112423/http://www.furfreealliance.com/czech-fur-farming-ban-signed-president-zeman/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Norway]] (effective from 1 February 2025).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/norway-to-ban-fur-farms-as-fox-mink-go-out-of-fashion |title=Norway to ban fur farms as fox, mink go out of fashion |date=15 January 2018 |website=Straits Times |publisher=Straits Times |access-date=15 January 2018 |archive-date=16 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116081149/http://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/norway-to-ban-fur-farms-as-fox-mink-go-out-of-fashion |url-status=live }}</ref> In Switzerland, the regulations for fur farming are very strict, with the result that there are no fur farms.<ref name=infurmation/> Some other countries have a ban on fur farming of certain types of animals.


The United States is a major exporter of fur skins. Major export markets include China, [[Russia]], [[Canada]], and the EU. Exports to [[Asia]] as a share of total exports grew from 22% in 1998 to 47% in 2002.<ref>{{cite web | title=Industry & Trade Summary – Jan 2004 | url=http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub3666.pdf | access-date=8 January 2010 | archive-date=27 May 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527132522/http://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub3666.pdf | url-status=live }}</ref> As of 2012, Russia was reported to be the world's biggest sales market for fur.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-12-13 |title=Fur flies as Moscow faces a challenge to its cosy addiction |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/fur-flies-as-moscow-faces-a-challenge-to-its-cosy-addiction-8413459.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719233039/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/fur-flies-as-moscow-faces-a-challenge-to-its-cosy-addiction-8413459.html |archive-date=2013-07-19 |website=[[The Independent]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2008-03-04 |title=Fur is alive and kicking, despite campaigns |language=en |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-fur-idUSHKG33984220080304 |access-date=2022-03-14}}</ref> China has been the world's largest importer of fur pelts and the largest exporter of finished fur products.<ref name="BBC">{{cite news|title=What are the rules on wearing fur?|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4603032.stm|date=12 January 2006|access-date=24 March 2008|work=BBC News|archive-date=23 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223040942/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4603032.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>
Demand fell in the late 1980s and 1990s because of a number of factors, including the failure of designers to come up with exciting new lines and the efforts of animal rights campaigners. Since the turn of the millennium, however, sales worldwide have soared to record highs, fueled by radically new techniques for working with fur, and a sharp rise in disposable income in China and Russia. This growing demand has led to the development of extensive fur farming operations in [[#China|China]] and [[Poland]].

Fur farming has been banned in the [[United Kingdom]] (since 2000),<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/1035944.stm MPs vote to ban fur farms] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160807182135/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/1035944.stm |date=7 August 2016 }}. BBC News, 22 November 2000. Retrieved on 10 May 2012.</ref><ref>[http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2002/10/contents Fur Farming (Prohibition) (Scotland) Act 2002] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014085317/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2002/10/contents |date=14 October 2012 }}. legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved on 28 May 2012.</ref> [[Austria]] (since 2005),<ref>Charles Clover [https://web.archive.org/web/20040128175619/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/htmlContent.jhtml?html=%2Farchive%2F1999%2F05%2F13%2Fwmin13.html Europe kicks up a stink over British move to ban mink], [[Telegraph.co.uk]], 13 May 1999</ref><ref name="infurmation">[https://web.archive.org/web/20090116015047/http://www.infurmation.com/furfarmlegislation.php Fur Farming Legislation Around The World], Infurmation.com</ref> [[Slovenia]] (effective 2015),{{sfn|European Commission|2023|p=9}} [[Croatia]] (effective 2017),<ref name="infurmation" /><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090415190553/http://www.fashionfinland.com/en/news/article/fur_farmers_backed_into_a_corner/ Fur Farmers Backed into a Corner], fashionFINLAND.com, 2 January 2007</ref>{{sfn|European Commission|2023|p=8}} [[Luxembourg]] (effective 2018),{{sfn|European Commission|2023|p=8}} the [[Czech Republic]] (effective 2019),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.furfreealliance.com/czech-fur-farming-ban-signed-president-zeman/ |title=Czech Fur Farming Ban Signed by President Zeman |date=5 August 2017 |website=Fur Free Alliance |access-date=10 August 2017 |archive-date=10 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170810112423/http://www.furfreealliance.com/czech-fur-farming-ban-signed-president-zeman/ |url-status=live }}</ref> the [[Netherlands]] (effective 2021),<ref name="Kester"/> [[Republic of Ireland]] (effective 2022),{{sfn|European Commission|2023|p=8}} [[Italy]] (effective June 2022),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hsi.org/news-media/in-an-historic-vote-italy-to-ban-fur-farming-and-shut-down-all-mink-farms-within-six-months/ |title=In an historic vote, Italy to ban fur farming and shut down all mink farms within six months |date= 21 December 2021}}</ref>{{sfn|European Commission|2023|p=8}} [[Malta]] (effective 2022),{{sfn|European Commission|2023|p=8}} [[Belgium]] (effective across the country 2023),{{sfn|European Commission|2023|p=8}} [[Slovakia]] (effective 2025),{{sfn|European Commission|2023|p=9}} [[Norway]] (effective February 2025),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/norway-to-ban-fur-farms-as-fox-mink-go-out-of-fashion |title=Norway to ban fur farms as fox, mink go out of fashion |date=15 January 2018 |website=The Straits Times|access-date=15 January 2018 |archive-date=16 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116081149/http://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/norway-to-ban-fur-farms-as-fox-mink-go-out-of-fashion |url-status=live}}</ref> [[Estonia]] (effective 2025), [[Lithuania]] (effective 2027), [[Romania]] (effective 2027)<ref name="lrt2">{{cite web |date=22 October 2024 |title=Romanian lawmakers vote to phase out fur farming from 2027 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/romanian-lawmakers-vote-phase-out-fur-farming-2027-2024-10-22/ |url-status=live |website=Reuters}}</ref> and [[Latvia]] (effective 2028).<ref name=lrt />{{sfn|European Commission|2023|p=8–9}} In [[Switzerland]] and [[Germany]], the regulations for fur farming are very strict, with the result that there are no fur farms.<ref name=infurmation/>{{sfn|European Commission|2023|p=9}} Denmark (2009), [[France]] (2020) and [[Hungary]] (2021) introduced a ban on fur farming of certain species, while [[Spain]] announced a plan in 2022 to close down all fur farms by 2030.{{sfn|European Commission|2023|p=8–9}} Fur farming was not present as of 2023 in [[Portugal]] and [[Cyprus]].{{sfn|European Commission|2023|p=9}}

Demand fell in the late 1980s and 1990s as a result of a number of factors, including the efforts of animal rights campaigners and the failure of designers to come up with exciting new lines. Since the turn of the millennium, however, sales worldwide have soared to record highs, fueled by radically new techniques for working with fur, and a sharp rise in disposable income in China and Russia. This growing demand has led to the development of extensive fur farming operations in [[#China|China]] and [[Poland]].

During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], mink turned out to be very susceptible to human–mink infection, sparking fears of widespread outbreaks and mutations in the mink farm populations of many countries that could in turn infect humans with different strains of the coronavirus, making it potentially immune for a [[COVID-19 vaccine]].<ref name="Briggs">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-54842643 |title=What's the science behind mink and coronavirus? |author=Helen Briggs |work=BBC News |date=9 November 2020 |access-date=10 November 2020}}</ref> Several mink farms in the Netherlands have been entirely [[Culling|culled]] since June 2020, and in August 2020 the phaseout of fur farming was accelerated from 1 January 2024 to 1 March 2021.<ref name="Kester"/><ref name="Cleven"/> In July 2020, Spain culled 100,000 mink.<ref name="Briggs"/> On 6 November 2020, Denmark announced it would cull its entire 17 million mink population as an emergency to prevent the spread of a mutated strain of COVID-19, of which at least five cases were found.<ref name="Denmark culling">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54818615 |title=Denmark to cull up to 17 million mink amid coronavirus fears |work=BBC News |date=6 November 2020 |access-date=10 November 2020}}</ref> On 11 November, the Netherlands again moved the phase-out forward, now putting 1 January 2021 as the target date to limit the risk of mutation.<ref name="Nu.nl">{{Cite news |url=https://www.nu.nl/politiek/6089846/omt-adviseert-alle-nertsenfokkerijen-eind-december-al-te-sluiten.html |title=OMT adviseert alle nertsenfokkerijen eind december al te sluiten |work=[[Nu.nl]] |date=11 November 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |language=nl}}</ref> [[Kopenhagen Fur]] (accounting for 40% of mink production worldwide) announced mid-November it would gradually cease operations in 2–3 years because the circumstances had critically undermined the future of the global fur trade.<ref name="Lewis"/>


==History==
==History==
[[File:Felis catus (Domestic cat) fur skins.jpg|thumb|Cat skins]]
[[File:Felis catus (Domestic cat) fur skins.jpg|thumb|Cat skins]]
While wearing fur clothing in cold weather as protection goes back to the Stone Age, the source for this material came from the wild. As human populations grew, furs, leathers, and hides for use in clothing came from farm stock, such as sheep (sheepskin), rabbits, cattle, pigs, and goats. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of red fox breeding in the late [[Iron Age]] on [[Orkney]], off the northern coast of Scotland. After the attack of the Vikings in Scotland around A.D. 800, the breeding is said to have stopped.<ref>An online note is available via WayBack Machine:
While wearing fur clothing in cold weather as protection goes back to the Stone Age, the source for this material came from the wild. As human populations grew, furs, [[leather]]s, and hides for use in clothing came from farm stock, such as sheep (sheepskin), rabbits, cattle, pigs, and goats. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of red fox breeding in the late [[Iron Age]] on [[Orkney]], off the northern coast of Scotland. After the attack of the Vikings in Scotland around 800 CE, the breeding is said to have stopped.<ref>An online note is available via WayBack Machine:
* Sigurd Towrie: [https://web.archive.org/web/20170205013541/http://www.orkneyjar.com/archaeology/2006/11/30/academics-ponder-orkneys-fox-farming-past/ Academics ponder Orkney’s fox-farming past], in: Orkney Jar, 20th of November, 2006, based on: Journal of Archaeological Science
* Sigurd Towrie: [https://web.archive.org/web/20170205013541/http://www.orkneyjar.com/archaeology/2006/11/30/academics-ponder-orkneys-fox-farming-past/ Academics ponder Orkney's fox-farming past], in: Orkney Jar, 20 November 2006, based on: Journal of Archaeological Science
Original references is:
Original references is:
''Winckelmann-Pelz-Report.'' Nr. 1814 vom 8th&nbsp;of&nbsp;Dezember, 2006 (German), based on the following sources:
''Winckelmann-Pelz-Report.'' Nr. 1814 vom 8th&nbsp;of&nbsp;Dezember, 2006 (German), based on the following sources:
Line 24: Line 29:
* eMail service of ''USA Fur Commission''</ref> The earliest records of breeding mink for fur in [[North America]] were in the 1860s. Foxes were first raised on farms for fur in [[Prince Edward Island]] in Canada in 1895.<ref name="International Fur Trade Federation"/>
* eMail service of ''USA Fur Commission''</ref> The earliest records of breeding mink for fur in [[North America]] were in the 1860s. Foxes were first raised on farms for fur in [[Prince Edward Island]] in Canada in 1895.<ref name="International Fur Trade Federation"/>


Historically, the [[fur trade]] played an important economic role in the United States. Fur trappers explored and opened up large parts of North America, and the fashion for [[beaver hat]]s led to intense competition for the raw materials. Starting in the latter half of the 20th century, producers and wearers of fur have been criticized by animal rights activists because of the perceived [[cruelty to animals|cruelty]] they believe is involved in animal [[trapping (Animal)|trapping]] and because of the availability of substitutes such as synthetic fibers (made from petroleum oil). In 1991, [[New York Times]] journalist John F. Burns described the American fur industry as "shrinking with no end in sight."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/26/business/fur-industry-shrinking-with-no-end-in-sight.html|title=Fur Industry Shrinking With No End in Sight|first=John F|last=Burn|publisher=New York Times|date=26 February 1991|access-date=13 December 2019|archive-date=13 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213213204/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/26/business/fur-industry-shrinking-with-no-end-in-sight.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
Historically, the [[fur trade]] played an important economic role in the United States. Fur trappers explored and opened up large parts of North America, and the fashion for [[beaver hat]]s led to intense competition for the raw materials. Starting in the latter half of the 20th century, producers and wearers of fur have been criticized by animal rights activists because of the [[cruelty to animals|cruelty]] involved in animal [[trapping (Animal)|trapping]], and because of the widespread availability of inexpensive substitutes including natural fibers (such as [[cotton]], [[hemp]]) as well as synthetic fibers. In 1991, ''[[New York Times]]'' journalist John F. Burns described the American fur industry as "shrinking with no end in sight."<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/26/business/fur-industry-shrinking-with-no-end-in-sight.html|title=Fur Industry Shrinking With No End in Sight|first=John F|last=Burn|work=The New York Times|date=26 February 1991|access-date=13 December 2019|archive-date=13 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213213204/https://www.nytimes.com/1991/02/26/business/fur-industry-shrinking-with-no-end-in-sight.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


Today, 80 percent of the fur clothing industry's pelts come from animals raised on farms. The rest is from animals caught in the wild. The most farmed fur-bearing animal is the mink (50 million annually), followed by the fox (about 4 million annually). Asiatic and Finnish raccoon and chinchilla are also farmed for their fur. 64 percent of fur farms are in Northern Europe, 11 percent are in North America, and the rest are dispersed throughout the world, in countries such as Argentina and Russia.<ref name="encarta">{{cite news |title=Fur Industry |url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761574462/fur_industry.html |publisher=[[MSN Encarta]] |accessdate=24 March 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080324045840/http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761574462/Fur_Industry.html |archivedate=24 March 2008 |url-status=dead |df=dmy }}</ref>
Today, 85 percent of the fur clothing industry's pelts come from animals raised on farms. The rest is from animals caught in the wild. The most farmed fur-bearing animal is the mink (50 million annually), followed by the fox (about 4 million annually). Asiatic and Finnish raccoon and chinchilla are also farmed for their fur. As of 2008, 64 percent of fur farms were in Northern Europe, 11 percent in North America, and the rest were dispersed throughout the world, in countries such as Argentina and Russia.<ref name="encarta">{{cite news |title=Fur Industry |url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761574462/fur_industry.html |publisher=[[MSN Encarta]] |access-date=24 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080324045840/http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761574462/Fur_Industry.html |archive-date=24 March 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Species==
==Species==
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{{Globalize|section|date=July 2020}}
{{Globalize|section|date=July 2020}}
[[File:Mink colours.jpg|thumb|Mink colours]]
[[File:Mink colours.jpg|thumb|Mink colours]]
[[Mink]] have been farmed for fur in the United States for 130 years, though domestic demand for fur started to decline rapidly by the late 1980s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB851389711327998000|title=Prices Rise in Fur Industry After Dropping in Late 1980s|first=Rosanna TamburriStaff Reporter of The Wall Street|last=Journal|date=24 December 1996|via=www.wsj.com|access-date=13 December 2019|archive-date=13 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213213153/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB851389711327998000|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2010, the U.S. ranked fifth in production behind [[mink industry in Denmark|Denmark]], China, the Netherlands, and Poland. Mink typically breed in March and give birth to their litters in May. Farmers vaccinate the young kits for botulism, distemper, enteritis, and, if needed, pneumonia. They are killed in November and December. Methods for [[animal euthanasia|euthanizing animals]] on fur farms, as on all farms, are detailed in the American Veterinary Medical Association's Report on Euthanasia which is used as a guideline for state departments of agriculture which have jurisdiction over all farms raising domesticated livestock, including mink.<ref>[https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents/euthanasia.pdf Guidelines on Euthanasia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201174132/https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents/euthanasia.pdf |date=1 February 2014 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201174132/https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents/euthanasia.pdf |date=1 February 2014 }}. (PDF). avma.org. Retrieved on 4 December 2012.</ref>
[[Mink]] have been farmed for fur in the United States for 130 years, though domestic demand for fur started to decline rapidly by the late 1980s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB851389711327998000|title=Prices Rise in Fur Industry After Dropping in Late 1980s|first=Rosanna TamburriStaff Reporter of The Wall Street|last=Journal|date=24 December 1996|work=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=13 December 2019|archive-date=13 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191213213153/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB851389711327998000|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2010, the U.S. ranked fifth in production behind [[mink industry in Denmark|Denmark]], China, the Netherlands, and Poland. Mink typically breed in March and give birth to their litters in May. Farmers vaccinate the young kits for botulism, distemper, enteritis, and, if needed, pneumonia. They are slaughtered in November and December. Methods for [[animal euthanasia|euthanizing animals]] on fur farms, as on all farms, are detailed in the American Veterinary Medical Association's Report on Euthanasia which is used as a guideline for state departments of agriculture which have jurisdiction over all farms raising domesticated livestock, including mink.<ref>[https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents/euthanasia.pdf Guidelines on Euthanasia] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201174132/https://www.avma.org/KB/Policies/Documents/euthanasia.pdf |date=1 February 2014 }} . (PDF). avma.org. Retrieved on 4 December 2012.</ref>


The white [[mink]], a northern European breed, was introduced into Canada in 1968. Most mink production in Canada occurs in [[Nova Scotia]] which, with 116 licensed farms in 2016, generated revenues of nearly $54 million by contributing approximately 1.4 million pelts to global markets. That accounted for an average of half of all Canada's mink pelts.<ref>Nova Scotia Mink Breeders Association. (2016). "Mink Farming: Quick Facts". Retrieved from https://nsmink.ca/index.php/mink-farming {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065744/https://nsmink.ca/index.php/mink-farming |date=23 November 2018 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065744/https://nsmink.ca/index.php/mink-farming |date=23 November 2018 }}</ref> Production of black mink in particular has grown significantly since 2000, with emerging markets in Russia, China, and [[South Korea]] accounting for most of the new demand. Black mink was first bred in Nova Scotia in the late 1950s and has proven popular as a versatile colour. Most Nova Scotia product is sold in China where it is manufactured into luxury garments.
The white [[mink]], a northern European breed, was introduced into Canada in 1968. Most mink production in Canada occurs in [[Nova Scotia]] which, with 116 licensed farms in 2016, generated revenues of nearly $54 million by contributing approximately 1.4 million pelts to global markets. That accounted for an average of half of all Canada's mink pelts.<ref>Nova Scotia Mink Breeders Association. (2016). "Mink Farming: Quick Facts". Retrieved from https://nsmink.ca/index.php/mink-farming {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065744/https://nsmink.ca/index.php/mink-farming |date=23 November 2018 }} </ref> Production of black mink in particular has grown significantly since 2000, with emerging markets in Russia, China, and [[South Korea]] accounting for most of the new demand. Black mink was first bred in Nova Scotia in the late 1950s and has proven popular as a versatile colour. Most Nova Scotia fur product is sold in China where it is manufactured into luxury garments.


===Chinchilla===
===Chinchilla===
[[File:Chinchilla-fur.JPG|thumb|Chinchilla]]
[[File:Chinchilla-fur.JPG|thumb|Chinchilla]]
[[File:Chinchilla148.jpg|thumb|A 2-year-old standard gray female chinchilla]]
[[File:Chinchilla148.jpg|thumb|A two-year-old standard gray female chinchilla]]
The international trade in [[chinchilla]] fur goes back to the 16th century and the animal (whose name literally means "Little Chincha") is named after the [[Chincha people]] of the [[Andes]], who wore its soft, dense fur. By the end of the 19th century, chinchillas had become quite rare. In 1923, Mathias F. Chapman brought the eleven wild chinchillas he had captured to the U.S. for breeding.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.edchinchillas.co.uk/The_Chin/chapman.html |title=Chapman Story |website=Edchinchillas.co.uk |date= |accessdate=2017-02-23 |archive-date=11 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011204045/http://www.edchinchillas.co.uk/The_Chin/chapman.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Only three of these were female. Empress Chinchilla is the breeders association for the chinchilla farmers, many of whom are based in the United States, including California. Empress Chinchilla runs a certification program for farmers.{{cn|date=August 2019}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.empresschinchilla.org/|title=Home|website=Empress Chinchilla|access-date=29 July 2020|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729070901/https://www.empresschinchilla.org/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The international trade in [[chinchilla]] fur goes back to the 16th century and the animal (whose name literally means "Little Chincha") is named after the [[Chincha people]] of the [[Andes]], who wore its soft, dense fur. By the end of the 19th century, chinchillas had become quite rare. In 1923, Mathias F. Chapman brought the eleven wild chinchillas he had captured to the U.S. for breeding.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.edchinchillas.co.uk/The_Chin/chapman.html |title=Chapman Story |website=Edchinchillas.co.uk |access-date=2017-02-23 |archive-date=11 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011204045/http://www.edchinchillas.co.uk/The_Chin/chapman.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Only three of these were female. Empress Chinchilla is the breeders association for the chinchilla farmers, many of whom are based in the United States, including California. Empress Chinchilla runs a certification program for farmers.{{citation needed|date=August 2019}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.empresschinchilla.org/|title=Home|website=Empress Chinchilla|access-date=29 July 2020|archive-date=29 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200729070901/https://www.empresschinchilla.org/|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Fox===
===Fox===
[[File:Fur crossfox.jpg|thumb|"[[Cross fox (animal)|Cross fox]]" furs. The cross across the shoulders is a common [[Red fox]] marking.]]
[[File:Fur crossfox.jpg|thumb|"[[Cross fox (animal)|Cross fox]]" furs. The cross across the shoulders is a common [[red fox]] marking.]]
[[File:Silver fox.jpg|thumb|Caged red fox [[Silver fox (animal)|(silver morph)]].]]
[[File:Silver fox.jpg|thumb|Caged red fox [[Silver fox (animal)|(silver morph)]]]]
[[Finland]] is the world's leading producer of [[fox]] pelts. In the United States, fox production is about 10,000 [[fur|pelts]], produced in about 10 states. Canada produces ten to fifteen times as many fox furs as the USA.<ref name="fur">{{cite news|author=Audrey Eggers|work=adapted from an article in the August/September 2002 issue of AgVentures|title= Farming For Fur |url=http://www.furcommission.com/farming/foxfarming.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721235245/http://www.furcommission.com/farming/foxfarming.htm|archivedate=21 July 2011|publisher=Fur Commission USA|accessdate=24 March 2008}}</ref>
[[Finland]] is the world's leading producer of [[fox]] pelts. In the United States, fox production is about 10,000 [[fur|pelts]], produced in about 10 states. Canada produces ten to fifteen times as many fox furs as the USA.<ref name="fur">{{cite news|author=Audrey Eggers|work=adapted from an article in the August/September 2002 issue of AgVentures|title= Farming For Fur |url=http://www.furcommission.com/farming/foxfarming.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721235245/http://www.furcommission.com/farming/foxfarming.htm|archive-date=21 July 2011|publisher=Fur Commission USA|access-date=24 March 2008}}</ref>


===Dog and cat===
===Dog and cat===
The United States banned the import, export, and sale of products made from dog and cat fur in 2000.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090530220220/http://www.happypaws.com.au/articles/the-trade-in-dog-and-cat-fur The trade in dog and cat fur], Happy Paws</ref>
The United States banned the import, export, and sale of products made from dog and cat fur in 2000.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20090530220220/http://www.happypaws.com.au/articles/the-trade-in-dog-and-cat-fur The trade in dog and cat fur], Happy Paws</ref>
Italy, France, Denmark, [[Greece]], Belgium, and Australia ban the import of domestic cat and dog fur but the sale is still quasi-legal.<ref name="humane">{{cite news|title= Betrayal of Trust: the Global Trade in Cat and Dog Fur |url=http://www.hsicanada.ca/cat_dog_fur/|publisher=[[Humane society]]|accessdate=26 March 2008 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080321220309/http://www.hsicanada.ca/cat_dog_fur/ |archivedate = 21 March 2008}}</ref>
Italy, France, Denmark, [[Greece]], Belgium, and Australia ban the import of domestic cat and dog fur but the sale is still quasi-legal.<ref name="humane">{{cite news|title= Betrayal of Trust: the Global Trade in Cat and Dog Fur |url=http://www.hsicanada.ca/cat_dog_fur/|publisher=[[Humane society]]|access-date=26 March 2008 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080321220309/http://www.hsicanada.ca/cat_dog_fur/ |archive-date = 21 March 2008}}</ref>
In most countries, novelty items made from farmed cat and dog fur is available in the form of animal toys or as trim on garments like boots, jackets and handbags. The [[European Union]] banned imports in 2009.<ref name="salon">{{cite news|title= An Olympic disgrace |url=http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2008/03/24/animal_cruelty_china/|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201202844/http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2008/03/24/animal_cruelty_china/|archivedate=1 February 2009|author=Kerasote, Ted |date=24 March 2008|accessdate=26 March 2008}}</ref>
In most countries, novelty items made from farmed cat and dog fur is available in the form of animal toys or as trim on garments like boots, jackets and handbags. The [[European Union]] banned imports in 2009.<ref name="salon">{{cite news|title= An Olympic disgrace |url=http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2008/03/24/animal_cruelty_china/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201202844/http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2008/03/24/animal_cruelty_china/|archive-date=1 February 2009|author=Kerasote, Ted |date=24 March 2008|access-date=26 March 2008}}</ref>


===Rabbit===
===Rabbit===
[[File:Rabbit skins.jpg|thumb|A load of rabbit skins (c. 1905)]] The main breed in the [[rabbit]] fur farming industry is the [[list of rabbit breeds#Rex|Rex]] (Castor Rex and Chinchilla Rex). Breeding animals are kept for up to 3 years, and usually [[give birth]] twice a year. The [[rabbit|kits]] are taken from their mothers at 4 weeks old and put in a nursery with other kits. After this, the mothers are kept separated from their kits, and they get put together only for feeding. When the kits are 7 to 8 weeks old, they are put in solitary cages, where they are kept for about 6–7 months, and are slaughtered after they have [[moulting|shed]] their winter fur. The rabbits are kept in bare [[wire mesh]] [[cage (enclosure)|cage]]s. A cage for one rabbit has the floor space of about two shoe boxes. The [[mortality rate]] for caged Rex is 10 – 15%, mostly from [[respiratory disease]].<ref name="rabbitfur">{{cite news|title=Rabbit fur: face the facts|url=http://www.rabbitfur.org/factsheet.htm|publisher=[[The Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade|The Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade (CAFT)]]|accessdate=28 March 2008|archive-date=16 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516080211/http://www.rabbitfur.org/factsheet.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Rabbit skins.jpg|thumb|A load of rabbit skins (c. 1905)]] The main breed in the [[rabbit]] fur farming industry is the [[list of rabbit breeds#Rex|Rex]] (Castor Rex and Chinchilla Rex). Breeding animals are kept for up to three years, and usually [[give birth]] twice a year. The [[rabbit|kits]] are taken from their mothers at 4 weeks old and put in a nursery with other kits. After this, the mothers are kept separated from their kits, and they get put together only for feeding. When the kits are 7 to 8 weeks old, they are put in solitary cages, where they are kept for about 6–7 months, and are slaughtered after they have [[moulting|shed]] their winter fur. The rabbits are kept in bare [[wire mesh]] [[cage (enclosure)|cage]]s. A cage for one rabbit has the floor space of about two shoe boxes. The [[mortality rate]] for caged Rex is 10–15%, mostly from [[respiratory disease]].<ref name="rabbitfur">{{cite news|title=Rabbit fur: face the facts|url=http://www.rabbitfur.org/factsheet.htm|publisher=[[The Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade|The Coalition to Abolish the Fur Trade (CAFT)]]|access-date=28 March 2008|archive-date=16 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080516080211/http://www.rabbitfur.org/factsheet.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Farmed mink production cycle==
==Farmed mink production cycle==
===Conditioning and breeding (December - March)===
===Conditioning and breeding (December March)===
During this time of year, ranchers are primarily focused on bringing their selected mink into a good condition that is suitable for breeding. Mink are a monoestrous species that undergo delayed implantation when bred successfully, this means that the breeding season can be the most strenuous time of year both in terms of animal nutrition and human labor.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Felska-Błaszczyk |first1=Lidia |last2=Ławrów |first2=Natalia |last3=Lasota |first3=Bogdan |last4=Seremak |first4=Beata |last5=Pęzińska-Kijak |first5=Katarzyna |last6=Żuk |first6=Krzysztof |last7=Nowak |first7=Piotr |title=The sex ratio in farmed American mink (''Neovison vison'') |journal=Archives Animal Breeding |date=7 September 2018 |volume=61 |issue=3 |pages=359–363 |doi=10.5194/aab-61-359-2018 |doi-access=free }}</ref> It is essential that management practices employ a feeding program that maintains a nutritional diet that is adequate for both male and female mink. A feeding program that encourages the removal of excess weight and an environment that facilitates an increase in exercise is important for good production and a successful whelp.<ref name=CMBA>Canada Mink Breeders Association.(n.d.). "A Year on a Mink Farm". Retrieved from (http://canadamink.webtext.ca/cmbfarm.shtml {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916161949/http://canadamink.webtext.ca/cmbfarm.shtml |date=16 September 2018 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916161949/http://canadamink.webtext.ca/cmbfarm.shtml |date=16 September 2018 }} Retrieved on 22 November 2018.</ref> Mink are usually fed once or twice a day during the growing season; on most farms they are fed the same quantity of food on all cages and close to an ''ad libitum'' amount so that 50% of all cages have feed left over the next day.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Hansen |first1=Steffen W. |last2=Møller |first2=Steen H. |title=Diurnal activity patterns of farm mink (Mustela vison) subjected to different feeding routines |journal=Applied Animal Behaviour Science |date=May 2008 |volume=111 |issue=1–2 |pages=146–157 |doi=10.1016/j.applanim.2007.05.020 }}</ref> In addition to fur quality and production traits, breeder selection should concentrate on health and
During this time of year, ranchers are primarily focused on bringing their selected mink into a good condition that is suitable for breeding. Mink are a monoestrous species that undergo delayed implantation when bred successfully, this means that the breeding season can be the most strenuous time of year both in terms of animal nutrition and human labor.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Felska-Błaszczyk |first1=Lidia |last2=Ławrów |first2=Natalia |last3=Lasota |first3=Bogdan |last4=Seremak |first4=Beata |last5=Pęzińska-Kijak |first5=Katarzyna |last6=Żuk |first6=Krzysztof |last7=Nowak |first7=Piotr |title=The sex ratio in farmed American mink (''Neovison vison'') |journal=Archives Animal Breeding |date=7 September 2018 |volume=61 |issue=3 |pages=359–363 |doi=10.5194/aab-61-359-2018 |doi-access=free }}</ref> It is essential that management practices employ a feeding program that maintains a nutritional diet that is adequate for both male and female mink. A feeding program that encourages the removal of excess weight and an environment that facilitates an increase in exercise is important for good production and a successful whelp.<ref name=CMBA>Canada Mink Breeders Association.(n.d.). "A Year on a Mink Farm". Retrieved from (http://canadamink.webtext.ca/cmbfarm.shtml {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916161949/http://canadamink.webtext.ca/cmbfarm.shtml |date=16 September 2018 }} Retrieved on 22 November 2018.</ref> Mink are usually fed once or twice a day during the growing season; on most farms they are fed the same quantity of food on all cages and close to an ''ad libitum'' amount so that 50% of all cages have feed left over the next day.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Hansen |first1=Steffen W. |last2=Møller |first2=Steen H. |title=Diurnal activity patterns of farm mink (Mustela vison) subjected to different feeding routines |journal=Applied Animal Behaviour Science |date=May 2008 |volume=111 |issue=1–2 |pages=146–157 |doi=10.1016/j.applanim.2007.05.020 }}</ref> In addition to fur quality and production traits, breeder selection should concentrate on health and
temperament (21) to improve the [[animal welfare|welfare]] of the herd.<ref name=NFACC>National Farm Animal Care Council.(2013). "Code of Practice: For the Care and Handling of Farmed Mink". Retrieved from (http://canadamink.webtext.ca/2013-06_Mink_Code_of_Practice.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065749/http://canadamink.webtext.ca/2013-06_Mink_Code_of_Practice.pdf |date=23 November 2018 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065749/http://canadamink.webtext.ca/2013-06_Mink_Code_of_Practice.pdf |date=23 November 2018 }} Retrieved on 22 November 2018.</ref>
temperament (21) to improve the [[animal welfare|welfare]] of the herd.<ref name=NFACC>National Farm Animal Care Council.(2013). "Code of Practice: For the Care and Handling of Farmed Mink". Retrieved from (http://canadamink.webtext.ca/2013-06_Mink_Code_of_Practice.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123065749/http://canadamink.webtext.ca/2013-06_Mink_Code_of_Practice.pdf |date=23 November 2018 }} Retrieved on 22 November 2018.</ref>


Breeding records are kept for each individual mink, this includes information on the dates of mating, genetics involving family lineage, reproductive success, health status, and fur characteristics.<ref name=CMBA />
Breeding records are kept for each individual mink, this includes information on the dates of mating, genetics involving family lineage, reproductive success, health status, and fur characteristics.<ref name=CMBA />


===Whelping and weaning (April - June)===
===Whelping and weaning (April June)===
In preparation for [[whelping]], comfortable conditions are prepared for the female by providing ample aspen bedding in which she can create a nest. It is well-known that female mink are highly motivated to perform maternal-related nest building during the majority of their gestation period,<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Schou |first1=Toke Munk |last2=Palme |first2=Rupert |last3=Malmkvist |first3=Jens |title=Prolonged nest building increase the reproductive outcome in American female mink |journal=Applied Animal Behaviour Science |date=October 2018 |volume=207 |pages=98–107 |doi=10.1016/j.applanim.2018.07.005 }}</ref> this is why providing an abundance of substrate to prepare a nest is crucial to maintain the animals welfare. Unnecessary stress and noises should be avoided so due to the sensitivity of female mink during late gestation. Gestation varies from 40-70 days, this time is often shortened by extending the daylight period by use of artificial lighting.<ref name=CMBA />
In preparation for [[whelping]], comfortable conditions are prepared for the female by providing ample aspen bedding in which she can create a nest. It is well known that female mink are highly motivated to perform maternal-related nest building during the majority of their gestation period,<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Schou |first1=Toke Munk |last2=Palme |first2=Rupert |last3=Malmkvist |first3=Jens |title=Prolonged nest building increase the reproductive outcome in American female mink |journal=Applied Animal Behaviour Science |date=October 2018 |volume=207 |pages=98–107 |doi=10.1016/j.applanim.2018.07.005 |s2cid=149818281 |doi-access=free }}</ref> this is why providing an abundance of substrate to prepare a nest is crucial to maintain the animals welfare. Unnecessary stress and noises should be avoided so due to the sensitivity of female mink during late gestation. Gestation varies from 40 to 70 days, this time is often shortened by extending the daylight period by use of artificial lighting.<ref name=CMBA />


Females give birth to 5-6 kits on average. Since [[mink|kits]] are born [[altricial]], the female spends most of her time in the [[nest box|nest boxes]] caring for them. Mink kits are fully dependent on the dam's milk and will nurse for the first four weeks of their life.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Brink |first1=A.-L. |last2=Jeppesen |first2=L.L. |last3=Heller |first3=K.E. |title=Behaviour in suckling mink kits under farm conditions: effects of accessibility of drinking water |journal=Applied Animal Behaviour Science |date=November 2004 |volume=89 |issue=1–2 |pages=131–137 |doi=10.1016/j.applanim.2004.06.007 }}</ref> Maternal care is essential to promote offspring survival and growth, particularly in American mink who give birth to altricial young.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Schou |first1=T. M. |last2=Malmkvist |first2=J. |title=Early kit mortality and growth in farmed mink are affected by litter size rather than nest climate |journal=Animal |date=20 February 2017 |volume=11 |issue=9 |pages=1581–1589 |doi=10.1017/S1751731117000234 |pmid=28215201 |url=http://web.agrsci.dk/djfpublikation/djfpdf/DCArapport070.pdf |access-date=4 July 2019 |archive-date=21 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721194109/http://web.agrsci.dk/djfpublikation/djfpdf/DCArapport070.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Ranchers should check them regularly to ensure all the kits are warm, receiving enough milk, and are growing well. Females can lose significant body condition during [[lactation]] so their health is monitored by visual observations of behavior, appearance, and feed consumption.<ref name=CMBA />
Females give birth to 5–6 kits on average. Since [[mink|kits]] are born [[altricial]], the female spends most of her time in the [[nest box]]es caring for them. Mink kits are fully dependent on the dam's milk and will nurse for the first four weeks of their life.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Brink |first1=A.-L. |last2=Jeppesen |first2=L.L. |last3=Heller |first3=K.E. |title=Behaviour in suckling mink kits under farm conditions: effects of accessibility of drinking water |journal=Applied Animal Behaviour Science |date=November 2004 |volume=89 |issue=1–2 |pages=131–137 |doi=10.1016/j.applanim.2004.06.007 }}</ref> Maternal care is essential to promote offspring survival and growth, particularly in American mink who give birth to altricial young.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Schou |first1=T. M. |last2=Malmkvist |first2=J. |title=Early kit mortality and growth in farmed mink are affected by litter size rather than nest climate |journal=Animal |date=20 February 2017 |volume=11 |issue=9 |pages=1581–1589 |doi=10.1017/S1751731117000234 |pmid=28215201 |url=http://web.agrsci.dk/djfpublikation/djfpdf/DCArapport070.pdf |access-date=4 July 2019 |archive-date=21 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721194109/http://web.agrsci.dk/djfpublikation/djfpdf/DCArapport070.pdf |url-status=live |doi-access=free |bibcode=2017Anim...11.1581S }}</ref> Ranchers should check them regularly to ensure all the kits are warm, receiving enough milk, and are growing well. Females can lose significant body condition during [[lactation]] so their health is monitored by visual observations of behavior, appearance, and feed consumption.<ref name=CMBA />
[[Weaning]] takes place when the kits reach approximately 6-8 weeks old. The changes that take place during weaning can be stressful for both [[dam]] and kits therefore is done at a time that is most beneficial for the mother and litter. Ranchers should ensure the kits are able to consume solid [[animal feed|feed]] and drink water independently before they are ready for weaning.<ref name=NFACC />
[[Weaning]] takes place when the kits reach approximately 6–8 weeks old. The changes that take place during weaning can be stressful for both [[dam]] and kits therefore is done at a time that is most beneficial for the mother and litter. Ranchers should ensure the kits are able to consume solid [[animal feed|feed]] and drink water independently before they are ready for weaning.<ref name=NFACC />


===Growth and furring (July - October)===
===Growth and furring (July October)===
Very rapid growth takes place during the growth phase of the production cycle. For about 10-11 weeks, it is critical that the juvenile kits have access to adequate amounts of feed that is formulated to meet their nutritional needs. Maintaining a feeding routine that allows for multiple distributions of feed a day will help keep feed fresh and encourage appetite.<ref name=NFACC /> In July, all mink (including kits and adult breeders) are vaccinated to prevent diseases and promote health and welfare of the herd. Once August arrives, the skeletal growth of kits is complete and the subsequent growth of primarily fat begins. The growth of fur predominantly takes place during the fall where it begins at the tail and continues up the back and to the head. Ranchers maintain a clean, healthy environment during this time by performing daily [[husbandry]] practices, this includes; cleaning nest boxes, removal of surrounding debris and manure from the barn, bedding the cages, and up-keeping the cleanliness of the facility and farming equipment. Ranchers are diligent toward creating an environment that prioritizes the welfare of each animal and allows them to live and function comfortably within their environment.
Very rapid growth takes place during the growth phase of the production cycle. For about 10–11 weeks, it is critical that the juvenile kits have access to adequate amounts of feed that is formulated to meet their nutritional needs. Maintaining a feeding routine that allows for multiple distributions of feed a day will help keep feed fresh and encourage appetite.<ref name=NFACC /> In July, all mink (including kits and adult breeders) are vaccinated to prevent diseases and promote health and welfare of the herd. Once August arrives, the skeletal growth of kits is complete and the subsequent growth of primarily fat begins. The growth of fur predominantly takes place during the fall where it begins at the tail and continues up the back and to the head. Ranchers maintain a clean, healthy environment during this time by performing daily [[husbandry]] practices, this includes; cleaning nest boxes, removal of surrounding debris and manure from the barn, bedding the cages, and up-keeping the cleanliness of the facility and farming equipment. Ranchers are diligent toward creating an environment that prioritizes the welfare of each animal and allows them to live and function comfortably within their environment.{{Citation needed|date=November 2020}}


===Grading and slaughter (November - December)===
===Grading and slaughter (November December)===
Mink are carefully evaluated in November or early December in order to physically assess their coat color, characteristics, and quality. Fur quality, along with skin size are two of the most important traits that are under intense selection in most mink breeding programs.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Thirstrup |first1=J.P. |last2=Jensen |first2=J. |last3=Lund |first3=M.S. |title=Genetic parameters for fur quality graded on live animals and dried pelts of American mink (''Neovison vison'') |journal=Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics |date=August 2017 |volume=134 |issue=4 |pages=322–331 |doi=10.1111/jbg.12258 |pmid=28295659 }}</ref> Each mink will be given a grade dictated by the attributes of their coat; this is valuable in determining which mink will be kept as breeding stock for next season. Fur quality, color, and body size are judged by the farmer or a professional grader.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Lagerkvist |first1=Gabrielle |title=Economic profit from increased litter size, body weight and pelt quality in mink (''Mustela vison'') |journal=Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A |date=February 1997 |volume=47 |issue=1 |pages=57–63 |doi=10.1080/09064709709362370 }}</ref> Fur grades are often used alongside size, weight, health history, parent reproductive success, litter size, and temperament to assess the quality and potential of each animal.<ref name=CMBA />
Mink are carefully evaluated in November or early December in order to physically assess their coat color, characteristics, and quality. Fur quality, along with skin size are two of the most important traits that are under intense selection in most mink breeding programs.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Thirstrup |first1=J.P. |last2=Jensen |first2=J. |last3=Lund |first3=M.S. |title=Genetic parameters for fur quality graded on live animals and dried pelts of American mink (''Neovison vison'') |journal=Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics |date=August 2017 |volume=134 |issue=4 |pages=322–331 |doi=10.1111/jbg.12258 |pmid=28295659 |s2cid=24367479 }}</ref> Each mink will be given a grade dictated by the attributes of their coat; this is valuable in determining which mink will be kept as breeding stock for next season. Fur quality, color, and body size are judged by the farmer or a professional grader.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Lagerkvist |first1=Gabrielle |title=Economic profit from increased litter size, body weight and pelt quality in mink (''Mustela vison'') |journal=Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section A |date=February 1997 |volume=47 |issue=1 |pages=57–63 |doi=10.1080/09064709709362370 }}</ref> Fur grades are often used alongside size, weight, health history, parent reproductive success, litter size, and temperament to assess the quality and potential of each animal.<ref name=CMBA />


Mink are slaughtered in December and methods are used to euthanize each animal so that their death is quick, humane, and as painless as possible. Several techniques have been considered proper to euthanize farmed mink, these include neck breaking, electricity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, and lethal injection.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Korhonen |first1=Hannu T. |last2=Cizinauskas |first2=Sigitas |last3=Jesernics |first3=Janis |title=Electrophysiological study on co and co2 euthanasia in mink (Mustela vison) |journal=Annals of Animal Science |date=1 September 2012 |volume=12 |issue=4 |pages=597–608 |doi=10.2478/v10220-012-0050-2 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The most common method of slaughter is by subjecting the animal to a chamber that contains [[carbon monoxide]].
The methods used to slaughter mink include neck breaking, electricity, [[carbon monoxide]], [[carbon dioxide]], nitrogen, argon, and lethal injection.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Korhonen |first1=Hannu T. |last2=Cizinauskas |first2=Sigitas |last3=Jesernics |first3=Janis |title=Electrophysiological study on co and co2 euthanasia in mink (Mustela vison) |journal=Annals of Animal Science |date=1 September 2012 |volume=12 |issue=4 |pages=597–608 |doi=10.2478/v10220-012-0050-2 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The most common method of slaughter is by subjecting the animal to a chamber that contains carbon monoxide. Pelting takes place either on site or upon shipping the mink to an offsite operation.<ref name=CMBA />
Pelting takes place either on site or upon shipping the mink to an offsite operation.<ref name=CMBA />


==By-products==
==By-products==
After pelting, fur farms dispose of their dead animals as economically as possible. The mink bodies are typically sent for either incineration or rendering where they can be converted into bone and meat meal.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Zarkadas |first1=I. |last2=Dontis |first2=G. |last3=Pilidis |first3=G. |last4=Sarigiannis |first4=D.A. |title=Exploring the potential of fur farming wastes and byproducts as substrates to anaerobic digestion process |journal=Renewable Energy |date=October 2016 |volume=96 |pages=1063–1070 |doi=10.1016/j.renene.2016.03.056 }}</ref> The meat from most fur-bearers is not usually eaten by humans, therefore the carcasses will go on to become various products such as [[pet food]], animal feed, organic compost, fertilizer, paint, and even tires. Carcasses sometimes go to animal sanctuaries, zoos, and aquariums to feed animals, and some end up as crab bait. Some biological supply companies offer preserved skinned carcasses of ranched mink for classroom [[dissection]] specimens as an alternative to cats or other domesticated mammals. Mink feces are used as organic crop fertiliser, and mink fat is turned into oil to manufacture soap, face oils, cosmetics, and leather treatments.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.montanatrappers.org/management/fur-farming.htm#.VIDGfYs8-LM |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040402073526/http://montanatrappers.org/management/fur-farming.htm#.VIDGfYs8-LM |url-status= dead |archive-date= 2 April 2004 |title=Fur Farming |work=montanatrappers.org |year=2014 |accessdate=4 December 2014}} </ref>
After pelting, mink bodies are typically sent for either incineration or rendering where they can be converted into bone and meat meal.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Zarkadas |first1=I. |last2=Dontis |first2=G. |last3=Pilidis |first3=G. |last4=Sarigiannis |first4=D.A. |title=Exploring the potential of fur farming wastes and byproducts as substrates to anaerobic digestion process |journal=Renewable Energy |date=October 2016 |volume=96 |pages=1063–1070 |doi=10.1016/j.renene.2016.03.056 }}</ref> The meat from most fur-bearers is not usually eaten by humans, therefore the carcasses will go on to become various products such as [[pet food]], animal feed, organic compost, fertilizer, paint, and even tires. Carcasses sometimes go to animal sanctuaries, zoos, and aquariums to feed animals, and some end up as crab bait. Some biological supply companies offer preserved skinned carcasses of ranched mink for classroom [[dissection]] specimens as an alternative to cats or other domesticated mammals. Mink feces are used as organic crop fertiliser, and mink fat is turned into oil to manufacture soap, face oils, cosmetics, and leather treatments.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.montanatrappers.org/management/fur-farming.htm#.VIDGfYs8-LM |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040402073526/http://montanatrappers.org/management/fur-farming.htm#.VIDGfYs8-LM |url-status= dead |archive-date= 2 April 2004 |title=Fur Farming |work=montanatrappers.org |year=2014 |access-date=4 December 2014}}</ref>


== Controversy ==
== Controversy ==

[[File:World laws on killing animals for fur.png|400px|thumb|World laws on killing animals for fur.
Methods used on fur farms to maximize profits are employed at the expense of the welfare of fur producing [[livestock|animals]], though the exact scope of cruelty in the industry is hotly debated.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/animals-used-clothing-factsheets/inside-fur-industry-factory-farms/|title=Inside the Fur Industry: Factory Farms|work=PETA|access-date=2017-07-11|language=en-US|archive-date=23 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623183948/https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/animals-used-clothing-factsheets/inside-fur-industry-factory-farms/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Frequent">{{cite news|title=Frequent Reasons for buying Fur|url=http://fur.elehost.com/frequent_reasons.html|publisher=fur.elehost.com|access-date=24 March 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080312054532/http://fur.elehost.com/frequent_reasons.html|archive-date=12 March 2008}}</ref><ref name="house">{{cite news| title=House of Commons Hansard Debates for 5 Mar 1999 (pt 6)| url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199899/cmhansrd/vo990305/debtext/90305-06.htm| date=5 March 1999| access-date=24 March 2008| archive-date=15 April 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415142925/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199899/cmhansrd/vo990305/debtext/90305-06.htm| url-status=live}}</ref>
{{legend|#253494|Killing animals for fur is illegal}}
{{legend|#2c7fb8|Killing animals for fur is partially illegal (some animals are excluded)}}
{{legend|#41b6c4|Killing animals for fur is legal, but importing or selling fur is illegal}}
{{legend|#a1dab4|Killing animals for fur is legal, but strict anti-cruelty regulations make fur farms uneconomic}}
{{legend|#ffcfcc|Killing animals for fur is legal and active}}
{{legend|#cccccc|Unknown}}]]
Anti-fur activists have claimed that methods used on fur farms are focused on maximizing profits at the expense of the welfare of fur producing [[livestock|animals]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/animals-used-clothing-factsheets/inside-fur-industry-factory-farms/|title=Inside the Fur Industry: Factory Farms|work=PETA|access-date=2017-07-11|language=en-US|archive-date=23 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623183948/https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-clothing/animals-used-clothing-factsheets/inside-fur-industry-factory-farms/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Frequent">{{cite news|title=Frequent Reasons for buying Fur|url=http://fur.elehost.com/frequent_reasons.html|publisher=fur.elehost.com|accessdate=24 March 2008|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080312054532/http://fur.elehost.com/frequent_reasons.html|archivedate=12 March 2008|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name="house">{{cite news| title=House of Commons Hansard Debates for 5 Mar 1999 (pt 6)| url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199899/cmhansrd/vo990305/debtext/90305-06.htm| date=5 March 1999| accessdate=24 March 2008| archive-date=15 April 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090415142925/http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm199899/cmhansrd/vo990305/debtext/90305-06.htm| url-status=live}}</ref>


As with other types of [[animal farming]], living conditions of animals vary, and extreme cases are of much contention. According to PETA, the majority of fur farmers pack animals into small cages, preventing them from taking more than a few steps back and forth. PETA claims [[fox]]es and other animals suffer as a result of the confined environment, and may even cannibalize each other as a reaction to their confinement.<ref name=":3" />
As with other types of [[animal farming]], living conditions of animals vary, and extreme cases are of much contention. According to PETA, the majority of fur farmers pack animals into small cages, preventing them from taking more than a few steps back and forth. PETA claims [[fox]]es and other animals suffer as a result of the confined environment, and may even cannibalize each other as a reaction to their confinement.<ref name=":3" />
In other cases, as with passing of animal welfare legislation in Italy, animals are required to be given enriched living environments in which they can climb on branches, dig holes, use a nest of 50 × 50&nbsp;cm and also have a water basin of at least 2 × 2 metres and 50&nbsp;cm deep in which to swim.<ref name = "Dieren">{{cite web | title= Support Our Efforts for Animal Rights | work= Bont voor Dieren | url =http://www.bontvoordieren.nl/english/index.php?action=farming | accessdate= 29 December 2005 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20051215121641/http://www.bontvoordieren.nl/english/index.php?action=farming |archivedate = 15 December 2005}}</ref> Farmers argue that 50 years ago, the animals were kept in large outdoor holding areas, with pools of water. However, such farms resulted in high disease rates for the animals and were not practical.
In other cases, as with passing of animal welfare legislation in Italy, animals are required to be given enriched living environments in which they can climb on branches, dig holes, use a nest of 50 × 50&nbsp;cm and also have a water basin of at least 2 × 2 metres and 50&nbsp;cm deep in which to swim.<ref name = "Dieren">{{cite web | title= Support Our Efforts for Animal Rights | work= Bont voor Dieren | url =http://www.bontvoordieren.nl/english/index.php?action=farming | access-date= 29 December 2005 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20051215121641/http://www.bontvoordieren.nl/english/index.php?action=farming |archive-date = 15 December 2005}}</ref> Farmers argue that 50 years ago, the animals were kept in large outdoor holding areas, with pools of water. However, such farms resulted in high disease rates for the animals and were not practical.
Farmers claim that today's farmed animals only know farm life as they have been domesticated through over 100 of years of selective breeding.<ref name="Fureurope">{{Cite web |url=https://www.fureurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Domestication-and-Natural-Behaviour-of-the-Farmed-American-Mink.pdf |website=www.fureurope.eu |access-date=2019-01-10 |title=Domestication, natural behaviour and swimming water for farmed American mink – an overview of existing scientific knowledge |archive-date=10 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110133757/https://www.fureurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Domestication-and-Natural-Behaviour-of-the-Farmed-American-Mink.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
Farmers claim that today's farmed animals only know farm life as they have been domesticated through over 100 of years of selective breeding.<ref name="Fureurope">{{Cite web |url=https://www.fureurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Domestication-and-Natural-Behaviour-of-the-Farmed-American-Mink.pdf |website=www.fureurope.eu |access-date=2019-01-10 |title=Domestication, natural behaviour and swimming water for farmed American mink – an overview of existing scientific knowledge |archive-date=10 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110133757/https://www.fureurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Domestication-and-Natural-Behaviour-of-the-Farmed-American-Mink.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
The methods used for slaughtering the animals on farms and in the wild vary depending on the animal. For farmed mink, the [[American Veterinary Medical Association]] researches the best methods and publishes a report on the subject every 7 to 10 years. This report is used to guide state departments of agriculture which have jurisdiction over farm animals, including farm-raised mink. For those harvesting wild furs, biologists and wildlife managers dictate seasons, method of slaughter, and numbers of animals to be harvested.
The methods used for slaughtering the animals on farms and in the wild vary depending on the animal. For farmed mink, the [[American Veterinary Medical Association]] researches the best methods and publishes a report on the subject every 7 to 10 years. This report is used to guide state departments of agriculture which have jurisdiction over farm animals, including farm-raised mink. For those harvesting wild furs, biologists and wildlife managers dictate seasons, method of slaughter, and numbers of animals to be harvested.
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==== Quebec ====
==== Quebec ====
In 2014, for the first time in Canadian history, a Quebec fur farmer by the name of Jean-Luc Rodier was charged with animal cruelty following an investigation by the [[Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals]] (S.P.C.A.). Fox and mink at the fur farm were seized by animal welfare organizations and some were in such poor condition that they had to be euthanized.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://montreal.ctvnews.ca/a-quebec-first-fur-farm-owner-charged-with-cruelty-negligence-1.2094960 |title=A Quebec first: Fur farm owner charged with cruelty, negligence &#124; CTV Montreal News |website=Montreal.ctvnews.ca |date= |accessdate=2017-02-22 |archive-date=19 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119231436/http://montreal.ctvnews.ca/a-quebec-first-fur-farm-owner-charged-with-cruelty-negligence-1.2094960 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the S.P.C.A. investigation, this Quebec fur farm was raided by anonymous activists who set free thousands of animals.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-farmed-mink-set-free-by-intruder-1.2741807 |title=Quebec farmed mink set free by intruder - Montreal - CBC News |website=Cbc.ca |date=2014-08-20 |accessdate=2017-02-22 |archive-date=20 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120075144/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-farmed-mink-set-free-by-intruder-1.2741807 |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2014, for the first time in Canadian history, a Quebec fur farmer by the name of Jean-Luc Rodier was charged with animal cruelty following an investigation by the [[Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals]] (S.P.C.A.). Fox and mink at the fur farm were seized by animal welfare organizations and some were in such poor condition that they had to be euthanized.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://montreal.ctvnews.ca/a-quebec-first-fur-farm-owner-charged-with-cruelty-negligence-1.2094960 |title=A Quebec first: Fur farm owner charged with cruelty, negligence &#124; CTV Montreal News |website=Montreal.ctvnews.ca |date=10 November 2014 |access-date=2017-02-22 |archive-date=19 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119231436/http://montreal.ctvnews.ca/a-quebec-first-fur-farm-owner-charged-with-cruelty-negligence-1.2094960 |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the S.P.C.A. investigation, this Quebec fur farm was raided by anonymous activists who set free thousands of animals.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-farmed-mink-set-free-by-intruder-1.2741807 |title=Quebec farmed mink set free by intruder - Montreal - CBC News |website=Cbc.ca |date=2014-08-20 |access-date=2017-02-22 |archive-date=20 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120075144/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/quebec-farmed-mink-set-free-by-intruder-1.2741807 |url-status=live }}</ref>


==== British Columbia ====
==== British Columbia ====
Video footage taken at fur farms in 2014 in British Columbia by the A.P.F.A.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://furbearerdefenders.com/blog/make-fur-history |title=Make Fur History &#124; The Fur Bearers |website=Furbearerdefenders.com |date=2014-10-29 |accessdate=2017-02-22 |archive-date=15 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915184208/http://furbearerdefenders.com/blog/make-fur-history |url-status=live }}</ref> was described by the S.P.C.A. as "inherently inhumane".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://globalnews.ca/news/1645709/footage-released-from-b-c-mink-farms-is-horrifying-says-bc-spca/ |title=Footage released from B.C. mink farms is 'horrifying' says BC SPCA |website=Globalnews.ca |date=2014-10-30 |accessdate=2017-02-22 |archive-date=20 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120061606/http://globalnews.ca/news/1645709/footage-released-from-b-c-mink-farms-is-horrifying-says-bc-spca/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Animal rights activists in the city of Vancouver have been using legal and illegal actions to protest selling fur such as vandalism, home demonstrations of fur shop owners, and organizing public protests.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vancouver.mediacoop.ca/story/summary-anti-fur-action-vancouver/15594 |title=Summary of Anti-Fur Action in Vancouver &#124; Vancouver Media Co-op |website=Vancouver.mediacoop.ca |date=2013-01-13 |accessdate=2017-02-22 |archive-date=20 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120015649/http://vancouver.mediacoop.ca/story/summary-anti-fur-action-vancouver/15594 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Video footage taken at fur farms in 2014 in British Columbia by the A.P.F.A.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://furbearerdefenders.com/blog/make-fur-history |title=Make Fur History &#124; The Fur Bearers |website=Furbearerdefenders.com |date=2014-10-29 |access-date=2017-02-22 |archive-date=15 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915184208/http://furbearerdefenders.com/blog/make-fur-history |url-status=live }}</ref> was described by the S.P.C.A. as "inherently inhumane".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://globalnews.ca/news/1645709/footage-released-from-b-c-mink-farms-is-horrifying-says-bc-spca/ |title=Footage released from B.C. mink farms is 'horrifying' says BC SPCA |website=Globalnews.ca |date=2014-10-30 |access-date=2017-02-22 |archive-date=20 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120061606/http://globalnews.ca/news/1645709/footage-released-from-b-c-mink-farms-is-horrifying-says-bc-spca/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Animal rights activists in the city of Vancouver have been using legal and illegal actions to protest selling fur such as vandalism, home demonstrations of fur shop owners, and organizing public protests.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://vancouver.mediacoop.ca/story/summary-anti-fur-action-vancouver/15594 |title=Summary of Anti-Fur Action in Vancouver &#124; Vancouver Media Co-op |website=Vancouver.mediacoop.ca |date=2013-01-13 |access-date=2017-02-22 |archive-date=20 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120015649/http://vancouver.mediacoop.ca/story/summary-anti-fur-action-vancouver/15594 |url-status=live }}</ref>


==== Ontario ====
==== Ontario ====
Canadian fur farms in the Province of Ontario have been repeatedly targeted by the [[Animal Liberation Front]] (ALF). Thousands of mink were freed from farms across the province during 2013<ref>{{cite web |first=Monte|last=Sonnenberg |url=http://www.simcoereformer.ca/2013/08/27/foxes-minks-sprung-from-fur-farm |title=Fox, mink sprung from fur farm &#124; Simcoe Reformer |website=Simcoereformer.ca |date=2013-08-27 |accessdate=2017-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120003707/http://www.simcoereformer.ca/2013/08/27/foxes-minks-sprung-from-fur-farm |archive-date=20 November 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and 2015.<ref>{{cite web |author=nurun.com |url=https://lfpress.com/2015/07/31/animals-released-from-third-mink-farm |title=Another mink farm hit &#124; The London Free Press |website=Lfpress.com |date=2015-07-31 |accessdate=2017-02-22 |archive-date=3 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203222947/http://www.lfpress.com/2015/07/31/animals-released-from-third-mink-farm |url-status=live }}</ref> The mink breeders association of Ontario responded by offering a hundred thousand dollar bounty leading to a conviction of the persons responsible.<ref>{{cite web |author=Steve Rice |url=http://www.torontosun.com/2015/06/04/hefty-reward-offered-to-catch-perpetrators-of-deadly-mink-release |title=Hefty reward offered to catch perpetrators of deadly mink release &#124; Ontario &#124; Ne |website=Torontosun.com |date=2015-06-04 |accessdate=2017-02-22 |archive-date=20 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120115611/http://www.torontosun.com/2015/06/04/hefty-reward-offered-to-catch-perpetrators-of-deadly-mink-release |url-status=live }}</ref> Undercover footage was also released by the ALF in 2015 of several Ontario area mink farms, showcasing injured animals and mink cages covered in feces and maggots.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://directaction.info/news_oct30_15.htm |title=BITE BACK Magazine |website=Directaction.info |date= |accessdate=2017-02-22 |archive-date=25 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825191134/http://directaction.info/news_oct30_15.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Animal rights organizations across the province have taken a wide array of actions to stop the fur trade, such as public protests and disruptions of fur fashion shows.<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/03/27/protestor-toronto-fashion_n_6958520.html |title=Protester Crashes Runway At Toronto Fashion Week |website=Huffingtonpost.ca |date=2015-03-27 |accessdate=2017-02-22 |archive-date=19 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119235605/http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/03/27/protestor-toronto-fashion_n_6958520.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://london.ctvnews.ca/anti-fur-advocates-protest-at-channer-s-1.1688337 |title=Anti-fur advocates protest at Channer's &#124; CTV London News |website=London.ctvnews.ca |date=2014-02-15 |accessdate=2017-02-22 |archive-date=20 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120000520/http://london.ctvnews.ca/anti-fur-advocates-protest-at-channer-s-1.1688337 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Canadian fur farms in the Province of Ontario have been repeatedly targeted by the [[Animal Liberation Front]] (ALF). Thousands of mink were freed from farms across the province during 2013<ref>{{cite web |first=Monte|last=Sonnenberg |url=http://www.simcoereformer.ca/2013/08/27/foxes-minks-sprung-from-fur-farm |title=Fox, mink sprung from fur farm &#124; Simcoe Reformer |website=Simcoereformer.ca |date=2013-08-27 |access-date=2017-02-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120003707/http://www.simcoereformer.ca/2013/08/27/foxes-minks-sprung-from-fur-farm |archive-date=20 November 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and 2015.<ref>{{cite web |author=nurun.com |url=https://lfpress.com/2015/07/31/animals-released-from-third-mink-farm |title=Another mink farm hit &#124; The London Free Press |website=Lfpress.com |date=2015-07-31 |access-date=2017-02-22 |archive-date=3 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171203222947/http://www.lfpress.com/2015/07/31/animals-released-from-third-mink-farm |url-status=live }}</ref> The mink breeders association of Ontario responded by offering a hundred thousand dollar bounty leading to a conviction of the persons responsible.<ref>{{cite web |author=Steve Rice |url=http://www.torontosun.com/2015/06/04/hefty-reward-offered-to-catch-perpetrators-of-deadly-mink-release |title=Hefty reward offered to catch perpetrators of deadly mink release &#124; Ontario &#124; Ne |website=Torontosun.com |date=2015-06-04 |access-date=2017-02-22 |archive-date=20 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120115611/http://www.torontosun.com/2015/06/04/hefty-reward-offered-to-catch-perpetrators-of-deadly-mink-release |url-status=live }}</ref> Undercover footage was also released by the ALF in 2015 of several Ontario area mink farms, showcasing injured animals and mink cages covered in feces and maggots.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://directaction.info/news_oct30_15.htm |title=BITE BACK Magazine |website=Directaction.info |access-date=2017-02-22 |archive-date=25 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825191134/http://directaction.info/news_oct30_15.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> Animal rights organizations across the province have taken a wide array of actions to stop the fur trade, such as public protests and disruptions of fur fashion shows.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/03/27/protestor-toronto-fashion_n_6958520.html |title=Protester Crashes Runway at Toronto Fashion Week |website=HuffPost|date=2015-03-27 |access-date=2017-02-22 |archive-date=19 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119235605/http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2015/03/27/protestor-toronto-fashion_n_6958520.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://london.ctvnews.ca/anti-fur-advocates-protest-at-channer-s-1.1688337 |title=Anti-fur advocates protest at Channer's &#124; CTV London News |website=London.ctvnews.ca |date=2014-02-15 |access-date=2017-02-22 |archive-date=20 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120000520/http://london.ctvnews.ca/anti-fur-advocates-protest-at-channer-s-1.1688337 |url-status=live }}</ref>


=== China ===
=== China ===
[[File:Енотовидная собака Гродно (cropped 2).jpg|thumb|Racoon dog (''Nyctereutes procyonoides'')]]
[[File:Енотовидная собака Гродно (cropped 2).jpg|thumb|Raccoon dog (''Nyctereutes procyonoides'')]]
In 2005, animals rights group The Swiss Animal Protection produced a controversial video reporting that fur-bearing animals - including the "Asiatic raccoon" ([[raccoon dog]]) - were being skinned while still alive in Shangcun Market. The China Fur Commission and China Leather Industry Association challenged the authenticity of the video, stating: "Pictures showing animals being skinned alive are obviously plotted. All those with common sense would not choose this slaughter method to attain fur."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.china-embassy.ch/ger/4/t185836.htm|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214125453/http://www.china-embassy.ch/ger/4/t185836.htm|title=Announcement by China Fur Commission, China Leather Industry Association|website=china-embassy.ch|date=4 March 2005|archivedate=February 14, 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> The government of Suning County, Hebei Province also issued a statement, outlining welfare practices it claimed to practice on its fur farms and calling the alleged practice of skinning animals alive "unimaginable."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://old.furcommission.com/news/newsC72.htm|title=Statement from The People's Government of Suning County|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224095553/http://old.furcommission.com/news/newsC72.htm |archivedate=24 December 2013|website=furcommission.com|date=22 April 2005|accessdate=10 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Swiss Animal Protection later published a video showing the live skinning of raccoon dogs and other [[Canidae|canids]]. The video shows raccoon dogs being beaten with sticks and thrown against the ground in an attempt to stun them before being hung from their rear legs and skinned alive. In another film a worker begins to cut the skin and fur from an animal's leg. The animal is still alive breathing and kicking. The free limbs kick and writhe making it difficult for the worker to cut the skin from the animal's body. The worker stamps on the animal's neck and head. One investigator filmed a raccoon dog being skinned alive before being thrown onto a heap of carcasses. After the skinning the animal still had enough strength to lift its bloodied head and stare into the camera.<ref>{{cite web |author= |url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/291483 |title=China accused of skinning live animals for fur [graphic video&#93; (Includes interview) |website=Digitaljournal.com |date=2010-05-02 |accessdate=2017-02-22 |archive-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714121924/http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/291483 |url-status=dead}}</ref> A 2013 investigation by a Dalian-based Chinese animal welfare group reported similarly cruel practices at various fur farms in [[Liaoning]] province.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vshine.org.cn/news_detail_project/newsId=571.html|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518102802/http://www.vshine.org.cn/news_detail_project/newsId%3D571.html|url-status=dead|title=Investigation Report on Tong Erbao Fur from Dalian Weishan Animal Protection Association in November 2013|archivedate=18 May 2015|accessdate=23 August 2019|date=March 24, 2014|language=Chinese}}</ref>
In 2005, animals rights group The Swiss Animal Protection produced a video alleging that fur-bearing animals including the "Asiatic raccoon" ([[raccoon dog]]) were being skinned while still alive in Shangcun Market. The China Fur Commission and China Leather Industry Association challenged the authenticity of the video, stating: "Pictures showing animals being skinned alive are obviously plotted. All those with common sense would not choose this slaughter method to attain fur."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.china-embassy.ch/ger/4/t185836.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214125453/http://www.china-embassy.ch/ger/4/t185836.htm|title=Announcement by China Fur Commission, China Leather Industry Association|website=china-embassy.ch|date=4 March 2005|archive-date=14 February 2010|url-status=dead}}</ref> The government of Suning County, Hebei Province also issued a statement, outlining welfare practices it claimed to practice on its fur farms and calling the alleged practice of skinning animals alive "unimaginable."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://old.furcommission.com/news/newsC72.htm|title=Statement from The People's Government of Suning County|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224095553/http://old.furcommission.com/news/newsC72.htm |archive-date=24 December 2013|website=furcommission.com|date=22 April 2005|access-date=10 May 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Swiss Animal Protection then published a 2009 video showing the skinning of raccoon dogs and other [[Canidae|canids]]. The video showed them being beaten with sticks and thrown to the ground in an attempt to kill them before being hung from their rear legs and skinned alive. One investigator filmed a raccoon dog being skinned alive before being thrown onto a heap of carcasses. After the skinning it still had enough strength to lift its bloodied head and stare into the camera.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/291483 |title=China accused of skinning live animals for fur [graphic video&#93; (Includes interview) |website=Digitaljournal.com |date=2010-05-02 |access-date=2017-02-22 |archive-date=14 July 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714121924/http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/291483 |url-status=dead}}</ref> A 2013 investigation by a Dalian-based Chinese animal welfare group reported similarly cruel practices at various fur farms in [[Liaoning]] province.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.vshine.org.cn/news_detail_project/newsId=571.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518102802/http://www.vshine.org.cn/news_detail_project/newsId%3D571.html|url-status=dead|title=Investigation Report on Tong Erbao Fur from Dalian Weishan Animal Protection Association in November 2013|archive-date=18 May 2015|access-date=23 August 2019|date=24 March 2014|language=zh}}</ref> The {{Interlanguage link|International Fur Federation|lt=International Fur Federation|de}} found two fur workers who had appeared in the 2009 video and through interviews as well as [[Affidavit|affidavits]], alleged they were approached by two others to stage the cruelty.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zaczkiewicz |first=Arthur |date=2019-03-05 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Film Denouncing Fur Deemed 'Staged' by IFF Investigators |url=https://wwd.com/business-news/business-features/iff-anti-fur-film-china-furs-1203073377/ |website=[[Women's Wear Daily]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-04-07 |title=Anti Fur Activists Use Faked Video – the IFF Investigates |url=https://furcommissionx.wpengine.com/anti-fur-activists-use-faked-video-the-iff-investigates/ |website=Fur Commission USA |language=en-US}}</ref> A 2018 [[Shanghaiist]] article noted that although it was more than likely some animals had been skinned alive in China, to extrapolate that all or most of the farms did this was wrong.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 May 2018 |title=Peta still pushing the idea that animals are 'skinned alive' in China |work=[[Shanghaiist]] |url=http://shanghaiist.com/2013/08/27/peta_still_pushing_the_idea_that_animals_are_skinned_alive_in_china |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314174816/http://shanghaiist.com/2013/08/27/peta_still_pushing_the_idea_that_animals_are_skinned_alive_in_china |archive-date=14 March 2021}}</ref>


In 2006, the State Forestry Administration (SFA) announced it was planning to offer training courses for fur farmers to improve the living conditions of fur animals.<ref name="china.org.cn">{{cite web | title=Regulations to Improve Wildlife Welfare | url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/GS-e/159563.htm | access-date=6 January 2010 | archive-date=17 March 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317151205/http://www.china.org.cn/english/GS-e/159563.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2006, the State Forestry Administration (SFA) announced it was planning to offer training courses for fur farmers to improve the living conditions of fur animals.<ref name="china.org.cn">{{cite web | title=Regulations to Improve Wildlife Welfare | url=http://www.china.org.cn/english/GS-e/159563.htm | access-date=6 January 2010 | archive-date=17 March 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110317151205/http://www.china.org.cn/english/GS-e/159563.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>
Legislation was drafted in September 2009 to address any cruelty to animals in China. If passed, the legislation would regulate how farm animals are raised, transported, and slaughtered.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/peterwedderburn/100010449/china-unveils-first-ever-animal-cruelty-legislation/|title=China unveils first ever animal cruelty legislation|date=18 September 2009|accessdate=18 September 2009|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|archive-date=13 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813021843/http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/peterwedderburn/100010449/china-unveils-first-ever-animal-cruelty-legislation/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Legislation was drafted in September 2009 to address any cruelty to animals in China. If passed, the legislation would regulate how farm animals are raised, transported, and slaughtered.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/peterwedderburn/100010449/china-unveils-first-ever-animal-cruelty-legislation/|title=China unveils first ever animal cruelty legislation|date=18 September 2009|access-date=18 September 2009|work=The Daily Telegraph|location=London|archive-date=13 August 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110813021843/http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/peterwedderburn/100010449/china-unveils-first-ever-animal-cruelty-legislation/|url-status=dead}}</ref>


=== Estonia ===
=== Estonia ===
Estonian citizens have a partial right to submit initiatives with at least 1000 signatures to the [[Riigikogu|parliament]] since 2014. They do not directly go to the parliamentary hall but go through a process of review in a subject commission.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/507042014003/consolide|title=Response to Memoranda and Requests for Explanations and Submission of Collective Addresses Act – Riigi Teataja|last=|first=|date=|website=www.riigiteataja.ee|publisher=Riigi Teataja|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=14 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914114330/https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/507042014003/consolide|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/504072016001/consolide|title=Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act – Riigi Teataja|last=|first=|date=|website=www.riigiteataja.ee|publisher=Riigi Teataja|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=14 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914113842/https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/504072016001/consolide|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 November 2014, the Estonian animal advocacy organization Loomus submitted a petition to ban fur farming in the country with a 10-year transition period with 10 000 signatures to the parliament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://etv.err.ee/v/elusaated/pealtnagija/pn_ekstra/0a228cef-1db9-4286-b2f8-38829b669c64/pn-ekstra-loomaoiguslaste-sudantlohestav-salavideo|title=PN Ekstra: Loomaõiguslaste südantlõhestav salavideo|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=Estonian Public Broadcasting|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003151727/http://etv.err.ee/v/elusaated/pealtnagija/pn_ekstra/0a228cef-1db9-4286-b2f8-38829b669c64/pn-ekstra-loomaoiguslaste-sudantlohestav-salavideo|archive-date=3 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://online.le.ee/2014/11/17/loomakaitsjad-annavad-riigikogule-ule-10-000-karusloomafarmide-keelustamise-toetaja-allkirja/|title=Loomakaitsjad annavad riigikogule üle 10 000 karusloomafarmide keelustamise toetaja allkirja {{!}} Lääne Elu|last=|first=|date=2014-11-17|website=|publisher=Lääne Elu|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=11 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911061422/http://online.le.ee/2014/11/17/loomakaitsjad-annavad-riigikogule-ule-10-000-karusloomafarmide-keelustamise-toetaja-allkirja/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.err.ee/v/74cc9fd8-df66-4044-b60b-e5e1e527510d|title=Over 10,000 signatures given to ban fur farming|last=|first=|date=2014-11-17|website=|publisher=Estonian Public Broadcasting|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=3 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003152024/http://news.err.ee/v/74cc9fd8-df66-4044-b60b-e5e1e527510d|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://petitsioon.ee/karusloomafarmid|title=Aita keelustada karusloomafarmid!|last=|first=|date=|website=petitsioon.ee|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=2 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102201206/http://petitsioon.ee/karusloomafarmid|url-status=live}}</ref> This was preceded by secretly filmed anonymous documentary footage being aired both online via [[YouTube]] and on [[Eesti Televisioon|Estonian National Television]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uudised.err.ee/v/eesti/16901937-fd60-48b0-bc6c-b311ea401097|title=Eesti naaritsafarmid tegutsevad aastaid loata|last=|first=|date=2013-04-17|website=|publisher=Pealtnägija, Estonian Public Broadcasting|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=1 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901154413/http://uudised.err.ee/v/eesti/16901937-fd60-48b0-bc6c-b311ea401097|url-status=live}}</ref> depicting the conditions of the animals in 2012 (aired 2013) and 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uudised.err.ee/v/eesti/5190f943-9bb9-4c26-a0f0-8d180b1efb2b|title=Loomaõiguslaste salavideo näitas karusloomakasvatuse telgitaguseid|last=|first=|date=2014-11-19|website=|publisher=Estonian Public Broadcasting|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=25 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825175653/https://www.err.ee/524695/loomaoiguslaste-salavideo-naitas-karusloomakasvatuse-telgitaguseid|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://loomadenimel.ee/karusnahalugu/kampaaniast/|title=Karusnaha lugu|last=|first=|date=2014-11-05|website=|publisher=Loomade Nimel/In the Name of Animals|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=1 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901040751/http://loomadenimel.ee/karusnahalugu/kampaaniast/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://loomadenimel.ee/karusnahalugu/uncategorized/press-release-undercover-footage-exposes-the-estonian-fur-industry-once-again/|title=Press release: Undercover footage exposes the Estonian fur industry once again|last=|first=|date=2014-11-20|website=|publisher=Loomade Nimel/In the Name of Animals|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=14 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914195813/http://loomadenimel.ee/karusnahalugu/uncategorized/press-release-undercover-footage-exposes-the-estonian-fur-industry-once-again/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Estonian animal advocacy organization Loomus issued a comment after the airings of [[Estonian Public Broadcasting]] outlining the documented disregard animal welfare regulations and pointing out the numerous injuries of animals that were documented.<ref name=":1" /><ref name="Estonian Public Broadcasting">{{cite web|url=http://news.err.ee/v/ebbe322d-9fc2-4ea1-8a95-2f630f674c28|title=Video of Fur Farm Operating Without License Provokes Outrage|last=|first=|date=2013-04-18|website=|publisher=Estonian Public Broadcasting|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=3 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003152238/http://news.err.ee/v/ebbe322d-9fc2-4ea1-8a95-2f630f674c28|url-status=live}}</ref>
Estonian citizens have a partial right to submit initiatives with at least 1000 signatures to the [[Riigikogu|parliament]] since 2014. They do not directly go to the parliamentary hall but go through a process of review in a subject commission.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/507042014003/consolide|title=Response to Memoranda and Requests for Explanations and Submission of Collective Addresses Act – Riigi Teataja|website=www.riigiteataja.ee|publisher=Riigi Teataja|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=14 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914114330/https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/507042014003/consolide|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/504072016001/consolide|title=Riigikogu Rules of Procedure and Internal Rules Act – Riigi Teataja|website=www.riigiteataja.ee|publisher=Riigi Teataja|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=14 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914113842/https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/504072016001/consolide|url-status=live}}</ref> On 21 November 2014, the Estonian animal advocacy organization Loomus submitted a petition to ban fur farming in the country with a 10-year transition period with 10 000 signatures to the parliament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://etv.err.ee/v/elusaated/pealtnagija/pn_ekstra/0a228cef-1db9-4286-b2f8-38829b669c64/pn-ekstra-loomaoiguslaste-sudantlohestav-salavideo|title=PN Ekstra: Loomaõiguslaste südantlõhestav salavideo|publisher=Estonian Public Broadcasting|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003151727/http://etv.err.ee/v/elusaated/pealtnagija/pn_ekstra/0a228cef-1db9-4286-b2f8-38829b669c64/pn-ekstra-loomaoiguslaste-sudantlohestav-salavideo|archive-date=3 October 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://online.le.ee/2014/11/17/loomakaitsjad-annavad-riigikogule-ule-10-000-karusloomafarmide-keelustamise-toetaja-allkirja/|title=Loomakaitsjad annavad riigikogule üle 10 000 karusloomafarmide keelustamise toetaja allkirja {{!}} Lääne Elu|date=2014-11-17|publisher=Lääne Elu|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=11 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911061422/http://online.le.ee/2014/11/17/loomakaitsjad-annavad-riigikogule-ule-10-000-karusloomafarmide-keelustamise-toetaja-allkirja/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.err.ee/v/74cc9fd8-df66-4044-b60b-e5e1e527510d|title=Over 10,000 signatures given to ban fur farming|date=2014-11-17|publisher=Estonian Public Broadcasting|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=3 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003152024/http://news.err.ee/v/74cc9fd8-df66-4044-b60b-e5e1e527510d|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://petitsioon.ee/karusloomafarmid|title=Aita keelustada karusloomafarmid!|website=petitsioon.ee|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=2 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161102201206/http://petitsioon.ee/karusloomafarmid|url-status=live}}</ref> This was preceded by secretly filmed anonymous documentary footage being aired both online via [[YouTube]] and on [[Eesti Televisioon|Estonian National Television]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uudised.err.ee/v/eesti/16901937-fd60-48b0-bc6c-b311ea401097|title=Eesti naaritsafarmid tegutsevad aastaid loata|date=2013-04-17|publisher=Pealtnägija, Estonian Public Broadcasting|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=1 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901154413/http://uudised.err.ee/v/eesti/16901937-fd60-48b0-bc6c-b311ea401097|url-status=live}}</ref> depicting the conditions of the animals in 2012 (aired 2013) and 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uudised.err.ee/v/eesti/5190f943-9bb9-4c26-a0f0-8d180b1efb2b|title=Loomaõiguslaste salavideo näitas karusloomakasvatuse telgitaguseid|date=2014-11-19|publisher=Estonian Public Broadcasting|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=25 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200825175653/https://www.err.ee/524695/loomaoiguslaste-salavideo-naitas-karusloomakasvatuse-telgitaguseid|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://loomadenimel.ee/karusnahalugu/kampaaniast/|title=Karusnaha lugu|date=2014-11-05|publisher=Loomade Nimel/In the Name of Animals|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=1 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901040751/http://loomadenimel.ee/karusnahalugu/kampaaniast/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://loomadenimel.ee/karusnahalugu/uncategorized/press-release-undercover-footage-exposes-the-estonian-fur-industry-once-again/|title=Press release: Undercover footage exposes the Estonian fur industry once again|date=2014-11-20|publisher=Loomade Nimel/In the Name of Animals|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=14 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914195813/http://loomadenimel.ee/karusnahalugu/uncategorized/press-release-undercover-footage-exposes-the-estonian-fur-industry-once-again/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Estonian animal advocacy organization Loomus issued a comment after the airings of [[Estonian Public Broadcasting]] outlining the documented disregard animal welfare regulations and pointing out the numerous injuries of animals that were documented.<ref name=":1" /><ref name="Estonian Public Broadcasting">{{cite web|url=http://news.err.ee/v/ebbe322d-9fc2-4ea1-8a95-2f630f674c28|title=Video of Fur Farm Operating Without License Provokes Outrage|date=2013-04-18|publisher=Estonian Public Broadcasting|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=3 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003152238/http://news.err.ee/v/ebbe322d-9fc2-4ea1-8a95-2f630f674c28|url-status=live}}</ref>


The petition has since been under review in the commission of agricultural affairs.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=http://www.postimees.ee/v2/3776755/padar-maaelukomisjon-otsustab-karusloomakasvatuste-saatuse-kiiresti|title=Padar: maaelukomisjon otsustab karusloomakasvatuste saatuse kiiresti|website=Postimees|access-date=2016-08-31|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911131732/http://www.postimees.ee/v2/3776755/padar-maaelukomisjon-otsustab-karusloomakasvatuste-saatuse-kiiresti|archivedate=11 September 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The commission procured a study on the economic significance of the industry from the [[Estonian University of Life Sciences]] published in 2016, which did not state the exact number of farms in existence but did outline that the mink and fox farms employed 74 full-time workers in 2014, with the majority concentrated in the largest factory in the [[Baltic states|Baltic States]], in [[Karjaküla]], near [[Tallinn]].<ref name="Estonian Public Broadcasting"/><ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.pikk.ee/upload/files/Karusloomakasvatuse_uuring_1.pdf|title=Final Report - A Study on Fur Farming (in Estonian)|last=|first=|date=29 January 2014|website=|publisher=Estonian University of Life Sciences|access-date=31 August 2016|archive-date=11 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911095853/http://www.pikk.ee/upload/files/Karusloomakasvatuse_uuring_1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> It also reported the chinchilla farms employed 20.5 full-time workers in 2014.<ref name=":0" /> The activists have voiced their concern about the bias inherent in the study, which according to them by and large ignored ethical and environmental arguments, as a number of the experts in the study panel were found to have direct links to and vested interests in the fur industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loomus.ee/animal-advocates-impact-analysis-on-fur-farming-is-biased/|title=Animal advocates: Impact analysis on fur farming is biased|last=|first=|date=3 May 2016|website=loomus.ee|publisher=Animal Advocacy Organization Loomus|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=27 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927223622/http://loomus.ee/animal-advocates-impact-analysis-on-fur-farming-is-biased/|url-status=live}}</ref> The commission is expected to formulate their opinion and vote whether the petition would move on to a law drafting phase and public discussion in the full quorum of the parliament in the fall of 2016.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uudised.err.ee/v/eesti/d7b7f8cf-60bd-4dd2-b065-d3b4136e0720/maaelukomisjon-otsustab-karusloomakasvatuste-saatuse-voimalikult-kiiresti|title=Maaelukomisjon otsustab karusloomakasvatuste saatuse võimalikult kiiresti|last=|first=|date=2016-07-25|website=|publisher=Estonian Public Broadcasting|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=3 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003152215/http://uudised.err.ee/v/eesti/d7b7f8cf-60bd-4dd2-b065-d3b4136e0720/maaelukomisjon-otsustab-karusloomakasvatuste-saatuse-voimalikult-kiiresti|url-status=live}}</ref>
The petition has since been under review in the commission of agricultural affairs.<ref name=":2">{{cite web|url=http://www.postimees.ee/v2/3776755/padar-maaelukomisjon-otsustab-karusloomakasvatuste-saatuse-kiiresti|title=Padar: maaelukomisjon otsustab karusloomakasvatuste saatuse kiiresti|website=Postimees|access-date=2016-08-31|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911131732/http://www.postimees.ee/v2/3776755/padar-maaelukomisjon-otsustab-karusloomakasvatuste-saatuse-kiiresti|archive-date=11 September 2016}}</ref> The commission procured a study on the economic significance of the industry from the [[Estonian University of Life Sciences]] published in 2016, which did not state the exact number of farms in existence but did outline that the mink and fox farms employed 74 full-time workers in 2014, with the majority concentrated in the largest factory in the [[Baltic states|Baltic States]], in [[Karjaküla]], near [[Tallinn]].<ref name="Estonian Public Broadcasting"/><ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.pikk.ee/upload/files/Karusloomakasvatuse_uuring_1.pdf|title=Final Report - A Study on Fur Farming (in Estonian)|date=29 January 2014|publisher=Estonian University of Life Sciences|access-date=31 August 2016|archive-date=11 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911095853/http://www.pikk.ee/upload/files/Karusloomakasvatuse_uuring_1.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> It also reported the chinchilla farms employed 20.5 full-time workers in 2014.<ref name=":0" /> The activists have voiced their concern about the bias inherent in the study, which according to them by and large ignored ethical and environmental arguments, as a number of the experts in the study panel were found to have direct links to and vested interests in the fur industry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loomus.ee/animal-advocates-impact-analysis-on-fur-farming-is-biased/|title=Animal advocates: Impact analysis on fur farming is biased|date=3 May 2016|website=loomus.ee|publisher=Animal Advocacy Organization Loomus|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=27 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927223622/http://loomus.ee/animal-advocates-impact-analysis-on-fur-farming-is-biased/|url-status=live}}</ref> The commission is expected to formulate their opinion and vote whether the petition would move on to a law drafting phase and public discussion in the full quorum of the parliament in the fall of 2016.<ref name=":2" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://uudised.err.ee/v/eesti/d7b7f8cf-60bd-4dd2-b065-d3b4136e0720/maaelukomisjon-otsustab-karusloomakasvatuste-saatuse-voimalikult-kiiresti|title=Maaelukomisjon otsustab karusloomakasvatuste saatuse võimalikult kiiresti|date=2016-07-25|publisher=Estonian Public Broadcasting|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=3 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161003152215/http://uudised.err.ee/v/eesti/d7b7f8cf-60bd-4dd2-b065-d3b4136e0720/maaelukomisjon-otsustab-karusloomakasvatuste-saatuse-voimalikult-kiiresti|url-status=live}}</ref>


On 22 August 2016, activists launched an additional international petition inviting the [[Riigikogu|Estonian Parliament]] to ban fur farming in the country at change.org.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loomus.ee/international-petition-calls-on-estonia-to-ban-fur-farms/|title=International petition calls on Estonia to ban fur farms|last=|first=|date=22 August 2016|website=loomus.ee|publisher=Animal Advocacy Organization Loomus|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=27 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927223624/http://loomus.ee/international-petition-calls-on-estonia-to-ban-fur-farms/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 22 August 2016, activists launched an additional international petition inviting the [[Riigikogu|Estonian Parliament]] to ban fur farming in the country at change.org.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://loomus.ee/international-petition-calls-on-estonia-to-ban-fur-farms/|title=International petition calls on Estonia to ban fur farms|date=22 August 2016|website=loomus.ee|publisher=Animal Advocacy Organization Loomus|access-date=2016-08-31|archive-date=27 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927223624/http://loomus.ee/international-petition-calls-on-estonia-to-ban-fur-farms/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Estonian parliament banned fur farms on 2 June 2021. There is a transitional period that permits keeping mink and raccoon dogs in farms until the end of 2025 if the permit was issued before 1 July 2021.<ref>[https://news.err.ee/1608232815/estonia-bans-fur-farms "Estonia bans fur farms"] ERR, 02-06-2021</ref>


===Finland===
===Finland===
[[File:Fur industry in Finland.jpg|thumb|Fur animal in Finland, 2018]]
[[File:Fur industry in Finland.jpg|thumb|Fur animal in Finland in 2018]]
Finnish citizens have had a right to instigate parliamentarian law initiatives since 2012. The first citizens' initiative to gain enough signatures was that instituting a ban on fur farming. Some 70,000 citizens signed the initiative within the required time period in 2013.<ref>[http://yle.fi/uutiset/parliament_mulls_how_to_deal_with_citizens_initiatives/6534855 Parliament mulls how to deal with citizens’ initiatives] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027214653/http://yle.fi/uutiset/parliament_mulls_how_to_deal_with_citizens_initiatives/6534855 |date=27 October 2015 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027214653/http://yle.fi/uutiset/parliament_mulls_how_to_deal_with_citizens_initiatives/6534855 |date=27 October 2015 }} yle.fi. 13 March 2013</ref> In a march to [[Parliament House, Helsinki]] on 18 June.<ref>[http://yle.fi/uutiset/100s_march_against_fur_farming/6694982 100s march against fur farming] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621235042/http://yle.fi/uutiset/100s_march_against_fur_farming/6694982 |date=21 June 2013 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621235042/http://yle.fi/uutiset/100s_march_against_fur_farming/6694982 |date=21 June 2013 }}. yle.fi 18 June 2013</ref>, four to five hundred people appealed to members of parliament to approve the citizens' initiative to ban fur farming. According to animal expert MSc Sesse Koivisto (wife of Ilkka Koivisto ex-director of the zoo [[Korkeasaari]]) in Helsingin Sanomat in 2010, fur farming did not provide acceptable conditions for the animals. In order to stop the suffering of animals, she demanded a ban on fur farming in Helsingin Sanomat, as in some other countries.<ref>[http://luonnonvarassa.vuodatus.net/lue/2010/02/kurjuuden-ylistys Kurjuuden ylistys] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224095003/http://luonnonvarassa.vuodatus.net/lue/2010/02/kurjuuden-ylistys |date=24 December 2013 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224095003/http://luonnonvarassa.vuodatus.net/lue/2010/02/kurjuuden-ylistys |date=24 December 2013 }}. vuodatus.net. 27 February 2010</ref> On 19 June 2013, the [[Jyrki Katainen's cabinet|Finnish Parliament]] rejected the first citizens' initiative to ban fur farming. A positive development in the [[politics of Finland]] was that the initiative was taken in the Parliament for public voting.<ref>[http://yle.fi/uutiset/parliament_says_no_to_fur-farming_ban/6696170 Parliament says no to fur-farming ban Parliament says no to fur-farming ban] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622163739/http://yle.fi/uutiset/parliament_says_no_to_fur-farming_ban/6696170 |date=22 June 2013 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622163739/http://yle.fi/uutiset/parliament_says_no_to_fur-farming_ban/6696170 |date=22 June 2013 }}. yle.fi. 19 June 2012</ref><ref>[http://yle.fi/uutiset/turkistarhauksen_kielto_kaatui_aanin_146-36/6695753 Turkistarhauksen kielto kaatui äänin 146-36] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623030122/http://yle.fi/uutiset/turkistarhauksen_kielto_kaatui_aanin_146-36/6695753 |date=23 June 2013 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623030122/http://yle.fi/uutiset/turkistarhauksen_kielto_kaatui_aanin_146-36/6695753 |date=23 June 2013 }}. yle.fi 19 June 2012</ref>
Finnish citizens have had a right to instigate parliamentarian law initiatives since 2012. The first citizens' initiative to gain enough signatures was that instituting a ban on fur farming. Some 70,000 citizens signed the initiative within the required time period in 2013.<ref>[http://yle.fi/uutiset/parliament_mulls_how_to_deal_with_citizens_initiatives/6534855 Parliament mulls how to deal with citizens’ initiatives] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151027214653/http://yle.fi/uutiset/parliament_mulls_how_to_deal_with_citizens_initiatives/6534855 |date=27 October 2015 }} yle.fi. 13 March 2013</ref> In a march to [[Parliament House, Helsinki]] on 18 June.,<ref>[http://yle.fi/uutiset/100s_march_against_fur_farming/6694982 100s march against fur farming] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130621235042/http://yle.fi/uutiset/100s_march_against_fur_farming/6694982 |date=21 June 2013 }} . yle.fi 18 June 2013</ref> four to five hundred people appealed to members of parliament to approve the citizens' initiative to ban fur farming. According to animal expert MSc Sesse Koivisto (wife of Ilkka Koivisto ex-director of the [[Korkeasaari Zoo]]) in Helsingin Sanomat in 2010, fur farming did not provide acceptable conditions for the animals. In order to stop the suffering of animals, she demanded a ban on fur farming in Helsingin Sanomat, as in some other countries.<ref>[http://luonnonvarassa.vuodatus.net/lue/2010/02/kurjuuden-ylistys Kurjuuden ylistys] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224095003/http://luonnonvarassa.vuodatus.net/lue/2010/02/kurjuuden-ylistys |date=24 December 2013 }} . vuodatus.net. 27 February 2010</ref> On 19 June 2013, the [[Jyrki Katainen's cabinet|Finnish Parliament]] rejected the first citizens' initiative to ban fur farming. A positive development in the [[politics of Finland]] was that the initiative was taken in the Parliament for public voting.<ref>[http://yle.fi/uutiset/parliament_says_no_to_fur-farming_ban/6696170 Parliament says no to fur-farming ban Parliament says no to fur-farming ban] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622163739/http://yle.fi/uutiset/parliament_says_no_to_fur-farming_ban/6696170 |date=22 June 2013 }} . yle.fi. 19 June 2012</ref><ref>[http://yle.fi/uutiset/turkistarhauksen_kielto_kaatui_aanin_146-36/6695753 Turkistarhauksen kielto kaatui äänin 146-36] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130623030122/http://yle.fi/uutiset/turkistarhauksen_kielto_kaatui_aanin_146-36/6695753 |date=23 June 2013 }} . yle.fi 19 June 2012</ref>


In Finland in August 2016, there were about 950 active fur farms. The breeding of fur-animals has had a long tradition in Finland, having been professionally conducted since the 1920s. Up to 90% of the fur-farming community is situated in the rural areas of [[Ostrobothnia (region)|Ostrobothnia]] and employs four to six thousand people. Today, fur farming is strictly regulated by law. The Finnish Furbreeders Association has developed its own national program of certification and animal health welfare that is tied to the [http://www.iso.org/iso/home/standards/management-standards/iso_9000.htm ISO 9001 standard] and monitored by the [http://www.detnorskeveritas.com/about/purpose/ Norske Veritas.] The fur animals are housed in shelter buildings or halls, where each animal has a specific place marked with a kit card. Shelter buildings are suitable for all fur animals, but halls are only used in mink farming.
In Finland in August 2016, there were about 950 active fur farms. The breeding of fur-animals has had a long tradition in Finland, having been professionally conducted since the 1920s. Up to 90% of the fur-farming community is situated in the rural areas of [[Ostrobothnia (historical province)|Ostrobothnia]] and employs four to six thousand people. Today, fur farming is strictly regulated by law. The Finnish Furbreeders Association has developed its own national program of certification and animal health welfare that is tied to the [[ISO 9001 standard]] and monitored by the [[Det Norske Veritas]]. The fur animals are housed in shelter buildings or halls, where each animal has a specific place marked with a kit card.{{Citation needed|date=March 2022}} The [[Humane Society of the United States]] published videos in 2019 and 2021 showing minks with untreated wounds along with foxes with allegedly deformed feet, missing ears, or diseased eyes on the farms.<ref>{{Citation |title=Fur Farming in Finland Exposed! |date=17 October 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHM1x1xYyX4 |publisher=[[Humane Society of the United States]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=ARISTOS GEORGIOU |date=2021-11-22 |title=Foxes with deformed feet, missing ears, diseased eyes found on "high-welfare" fur farms |url=https://www.newsweek.com/foxes-deformed-feet-missing-ears-diseased-eyes-found-high-welfare-fur-farms-animal-cruelty-1652000 |website=[[Newsweek]] |language=en}}</ref>


=== France ===
=== France ===
On 29 September 2020, Environment Minister [[Barbara Pompili]] announced that France's four remaining mink farms would be closed within the next 5 years.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-animals-circus/france-to-ban-use-of-wild-animals-in-circuses-idUSKBN26K24V |title=France to ban use of wild animals in circuses |author= |work=Reuters |date=29 September 2020 |accessdate=6 October 2020}}</ref>
On 29 September 2020, Environment Minister [[Barbara Pompili]] announced that France's four remaining mink farms would be closed within the next 5 years.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-france-animals-circus/france-to-ban-use-of-wild-animals-in-circuses-idUSKBN26K24V |title=France to ban use of wild animals in circuses |work=Reuters |date=29 September 2020 |access-date=6 October 2020}}</ref>

=== Lithuania ===
On 21 September 2023, Lithuanian parliament [[Seimas]] adopted a law banning fur farming by 2027.<ref>{{cite web| url= https://bnn-news.com/lithuania-bans-fur-farming-249744| title= Lithuania bans fur farming | date= 21 September 2023 }}</ref> Owners of fur farms will be compensated, but the size of the compensations has been the subject of complaints from the business community. They will be paid 3 euros per animal in the first year, 2 euros per animal in the second year and one euro in the final year. The government will also compensate redundancy payments for farm workers and cover costs related to the demolition of buildings, the destruction of equipment and waste management.<ref name=lrt>{{cite web| url= https://www.lrt.lt/en/news-in-english/19/2082407/lithuania-bans-fur-farming-offering-compensations-to-farmers| title = Lithuania bans fur farming, offering compensations to farmers| date = 21 September 2023}}</ref>


=== Republic of Ireland ===
=== Republic of Ireland ===
In the [[Republic of Ireland]] there were three fur farms in operation as of August 2014.<ref name="independent.ie">{{Cite web | url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/the-mink-behind-the-wire-inside-irelands-fur-farms-30495738.html | title=The mink behind the wire: Inside Ireland's fur farms | date=10 August 2014 | access-date=26 April 2017 | archive-date=27 April 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003319/http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/the-mink-behind-the-wire-inside-irelands-fur-farms-30495738.html | url-status=live }}</ref> These farms focused mainly on the trade of mink fur (some farms which previously used fox fur were winding down operation as such trade is no longer economically viable). In 2006, approximately 170,000 mink and 300 foxes were harvested in the Republic of Ireland.<ref>[http://www.ciwf.ie/farminfo/farmfacts_fur.html Compassion In World Farming Ireland – Irish Farming Facts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117145852/http://www.ciwf.ie/farminfo/farmfacts_fur.html |date=17 January 2010 }} . Ciwf.ie. Retrieved on 10 May 2012.</ref> Furs were exported from the Republic of Ireland to other EU member states or to countries in Asia and North America. In the Republic of Ireland, fur farms were monitored by the [[Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine|Department of Agriculture]], and welfare standards of Ireland and the European Union were required to be adhered to at all times.


In the [[Republic of Ireland]] there are currently three<ref name="independent.ie">{{Cite web | url=http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/the-mink-behind-the-wire-inside-irelands-fur-farms-30495738.html | title=The mink behind the wire: Inside Ireland's fur farms | access-date=26 April 2017 | archive-date=27 April 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003319/http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/news/the-mink-behind-the-wire-inside-irelands-fur-farms-30495738.html | url-status=live }}</ref> fur farms in operation. These farms focus mainly on the trade of mink fur (some farms which have used fox fur are currently winding down operation as such trade is no longer economically viable). In 2006, approximately 170,000 mink and 300 foxes were harvested in the Republic of Ireland.<ref>[http://www.ciwf.ie/farminfo/farmfacts_fur.html Compassion In World Farming Ireland – Irish Farming Facts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117145852/http://www.ciwf.ie/farminfo/farmfacts_fur.html |date=17 January 2010 }} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117145852/http://www.ciwf.ie/farminfo/farmfacts_fur.html |date=17 January 2010 }}. Ciwf.ie. Retrieved on 10 May 2012.</ref> Furs are exported from the Republic of Ireland to other EU member states or to countries in Asia and North America. In the Republic of Ireland, fur farms are monitored by the [[Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine|Department of Agriculture]], and welfare standards of Ireland and the European Union must be adhered to at all times. In October 2009, there were discussions within the political sphere on the banning of fur farms in the Republic of Ireland.<ref name="irishtimes.com">{{cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1012/1224256435727.html | work=The Irish Times | title=Plan focuses on electoral reform, education spend | date=10 October 2009 | access-date=20 February 2020 | archive-date=18 October 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018051522/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1012/1224256435727.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Animal welfare groups have welcomed such proposals,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1012/1224256435882.html | work=The Irish Times | title=Animal welfare groups welcome ban on fur farming | date=10 October 2009 | access-date=20 February 2020 | archive-date=18 October 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018051551/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1012/1224256435882.html | url-status=live }}</ref> though concern has been highlighted, in terms of its impact on rural communities where alternative industries are scarce. Fur farming in the Republic of Ireland contributes about €15 million per year to the economy.<ref name="independent.ie"/> A ban was subsequently passed before being overturned by Minister for Agriculture at the time [[Simon Coveney]] of Fine Gael after the party formed a new government following the 2011 election. A renewed campaign and efforts to push the Irish government or current Minister for Agriculture [[Michael Creed]] to re-implement a phase-out ban took place from 2018 to 2019.<ref>{{Cite journal|url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2018/0219/941728-morrissey-urges-irish-ban-on-fur-farming/|title=Morrissey urges Irish ban on fur farming|date=February 19, 2018|via=www.rte.ie|journal=|access-date=14 March 2018|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315003725/https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2018/0219/941728-morrissey-urges-irish-ban-on-fur-farming/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the introduction of the Solidarity party's 'Prohibition of Fur Farming Bill 2018', the government gave in to political and public pressure and agreed conclusively through Minster Creed to implement a phase-out ban on fur farming in Ireland with the finer details yet to be announced.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/fur-farming-ban-4695205-Jun2019/|title=Government plans to 'phase out' fur farming in Ireland|first=Christina|last=Finn|website=TheJournal.ie|access-date=24 June 2019|archive-date=24 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624203635/https://www.thejournal.ie/fur-farming-ban-4695205-Jun2019/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In October 2009, there were discussions within the political sphere on the banning of fur farms in the Republic of Ireland.<ref name="irishtimes.com">{{cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1012/1224256435727.html | newspaper=The Irish Times | title=Plan focuses on electoral reform, education spend | date=10 October 2009 | access-date=20 February 2020 | archive-date=18 October 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018051522/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1012/1224256435727.html | url-status=live }}</ref> Animal welfare groups welcomed such proposals,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1012/1224256435882.html | newspaper=The Irish Times | title=Animal welfare groups welcome ban on fur farming | date=10 October 2009 | access-date=20 February 2020 | archive-date=18 October 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018051551/http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/ireland/2009/1012/1224256435882.html | url-status=live }}</ref> though concern was highlighted, in terms of its impact on rural communities where alternative industries are scarce. Fur farming in the Republic of Ireland contributed about €15 million per year to the economy as of 2014.<ref name="independent.ie"/> A ban was subsequently passed before being overturned by Minister for Agriculture at the time [[Simon Coveney]] of Fine Gael after the party formed a new government following the 2011 election.
A renewed campaign and efforts to push the Irish government or current Minister for Agriculture [[Michael Creed]] to re-implement a phase-out ban took place from 2018 to 2019.<ref>{{Citation |url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2018/0219/941728-morrissey-urges-irish-ban-on-fur-farming/|title=Morrissey urges Irish ban on fur farming|date=19 February 2018|via=www.rte.ie|access-date=14 March 2018|archive-date=15 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180315003725/https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2018/0219/941728-morrissey-urges-irish-ban-on-fur-farming/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following the introduction of the Solidarity party's 'Prohibition of Fur Farming Bill 2018', the government gave in to political and public pressure and agreed conclusively through Minister Creed to implement a phase-out ban on fur farming in Ireland with the finer details to be announced afterwards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thejournal.ie/fur-farming-ban-4695205-Jun2019/|title=Government plans to 'phase out' fur farming in Ireland|first=Christina|last=Finn|website=TheJournal.ie|date=24 June 2019 |access-date=24 June 2019|archive-date=24 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624203635/https://www.thejournal.ie/fur-farming-ban-4695205-Jun2019/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Legislation banning fur farming in Ireland was brought into force on 4 April 2022, resulting in the closure of Ireland's three remaining fur farms.<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--not stated--> |url=https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2022/0404/1290402-fur-farming-ireland/ |title=Fur farming ban signed into law by President Higgins |work=[[RTÉ News]] |date=4 April 2022 |access-date=3 April 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2022/act/4/section/7/enacted/en/html#sec7 |title=Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 – section 7 |website=irishstatutebook.ie |publisher= Government of Ireland |date=4 April 2022 |access-date=3 April 2024}}</ref>


=== Netherlands ===
=== Netherlands ===
Fur farming of chinchillas and foxes is banned. Legislation to phase out mink fur farming (and thereby effectively all fur farming) by 2024 was approved by the end of 2012.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dutch law will ban mink farming by 2024 |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_dutch-law-will-ban-mink-farming-by-2024_1779060 |newspaper=[[Daily News and Analysis]] |date=18 December 2012 |accessdate=26 December 2012 |agency=Reuters |archive-date=9 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109015449/http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_dutch-law-will-ban-mink-farming-by-2024_1779060 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Fur farming of chinchillas and foxes is banned. Legislation to phase out mink fur farming (and thereby effectively all fur farming) by 2024 was approved by the end of 2012.<ref>{{cite news |title=Dutch law will ban mink farming by 2024 |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_dutch-law-will-ban-mink-farming-by-2024_1779060 |newspaper=[[Daily News and Analysis]] |date=18 December 2012 |access-date=26 December 2012 |agency=Reuters |archive-date=9 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130109015449/http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_dutch-law-will-ban-mink-farming-by-2024_1779060 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Russia ===
PETA published a video in 2019 alleging that animals were "still suffering terribly" in Russian fur farms, with slaughter methods involving beating, decapitation while conscious, and prolonged electrocution.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fur Farm Horrors: Screaming Chinchillas, Decapitated Rabbits |url=https://investigations.peta.org/russian-fur-farm/ |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=[[PETA]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rahman |first=Khaleda |date=2019-12-04 |title=PETA urges Nordstrom to stop selling fur after exposé reveals horrific treatment of animals on Russian fur farms |url=https://www.newsweek.com/peta-urges-nordstrom-ban-fur-after-russian-fur-horrors-exposed-1475469 |website=[[Newsweek]] |language=en}}</ref>

=== Spain ===
In July 2020, Spain culled 100,000 mink after a farm in the [[Aragon]] province was infected with COVID-19.<ref name="Briggs"/>


=== Sweden ===
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands]], by 25 May 2020 there were two cases where minks had infected humans with an apparently mutated form of the virus. There was high political pressure on the Agriculture Minister [[Carola Schouten]] to immediately cull all minks to prevent spreading this new version to humans. On 26 May, Schouten decided to wait for the veterinary epidemiological research report of 29 May, and said culling was only to be employed as a 'last resort'. Demands to execute all minks immediately, to prevent a fur farm from restarting operations after having been culled due to COVID-19 infections, and to phase out fur farming earlier than the agreed date of 1 January 2024, were all rejected by the minister as legally impossible.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2335170-schouten-in-uiterste-geval-alle-nertsen-ruimen.html |title=Schouten: in uiterste geval alle nertsen ruimen |author=ANP |work=NOS |date=26 May 2020 |accessdate=26 May 2020 |language=nl |archive-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801000247/https://nos.nl/artikel/2335170-schouten-in-uiterste-geval-alle-nertsen-ruimen.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After the testing report was completed, Minister Schouten in early June that 10 mink farms in Brabant and Limburg had to be culled to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. An objection from two animal activist groups was overruled by the court. On 6 June 2020 the culling of around 1,500 mother minks with about 4 to 5 pups each at a farm in Deurne was commenced, later 9 others would follow in Milheeze (two), De Mortel, Elsendorp, Beek en Donk, Deurne, Landhorst and Venray.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bd.nl/brabant/nertsenbedrijf-in-deurne-als-eerste-geruimd-dit-is-voor-ons-ook-nieuw~ae5ae212/ |title=Nertsenbedrijf in Deurne als eerste geruimd: ‘Dit is voor ons ook nieuw’ |author=Ties Cleven, Ad de Koning |work=[[Brabants Dagblad]] |date=6 June 2020 |accessdate=6 June 2020 |language=nl |archive-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606101828/https://www.bd.nl/brabant/nertsenbedrijf-in-deurne-als-eerste-geruimd-dit-is-voor-ons-ook-nieuw~ae5ae212/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 27 August 2020, the government decided to move the definitive prohibition on fur farming forward to 1 March 2021. This decision was taken on the advice of the Outbreak Management Team when more and more of the around 130 remaining mink farms were infected by COVID-19, necessitating containment of the spread and a clear perspective for a sector that, by then, had lost its economic viability and political support.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/op-1-maart-volgend-jaar-is-het-afgelopen-met-de-nertsenhouderij-in-nederland~b2b8743e/ |title=Op 1 maart volgend jaar is het afgelopen met de nertsenhouderij in Nederland |author=Sacha Kester |work=[[de Volkskrant]] |date=27 August 2020 |accessdate=6 October 2020 |language=nl}}</ref>
As of November 2020, there were about 35 to 40 mink farms in Sweden, 10 of which had been infected with COVID-19. The government was not planning any culling as of 9 November 2020, but [[Animal welfare and rights in Sweden|animal rights group Djurens Rätt]] was advocating for one in order to minimise the risk of a mutation that could compromise a COVID-19 vaccine.<ref name="Kevany"/>


=== United Kingdom ===
=== United Kingdom ===
Line 149: Line 164:
"We're the first country to introduce a national ban. It is a massive victory for us."
"We're the first country to introduce a national ban. It is a massive victory for us."


The Bill honoured Labour's pre-election pledge to end fur factory farming.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/1034562.stm |title=Campaigners hail fur ban bill |date=22 November 2000 |newspaper=[[BBC News Online]] |access-date=26 April 2010 |archive-date=27 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227073043/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/1034562.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Although the last fur farm in Scotland had closed in 1993, the [[Scottish Parliament]] nevertheless banned fur farming in 2002. Fur farming was also banned in [[Northern Ireland]] in 2002 under the Fur Farming (Prohibition) (Northern Ireland) Order 2002.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Fur Farming (Prohibition) (Northern Ireland) Order 2002|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/2002/3151/contents|website=Legislation.gov.uk|publisher=HM Government|accessdate=12 March 2017|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052020/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/2002/3151/contents|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Bill honoured Labour's pre-election pledge to end fur factory farming.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/1034562.stm |title=Campaigners hail fur ban bill |date=22 November 2000 |newspaper=[[BBC News Online]] |access-date=26 April 2010 |archive-date=27 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227073043/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/1034562.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Although the last fur farm in Scotland had closed in 1993, the [[Scottish Parliament]] nevertheless banned fur farming in 2002. Fur farming was also banned in [[Northern Ireland]] in 2002 under the Fur Farming (Prohibition) (Northern Ireland) Order 2002.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Fur Farming (Prohibition) (Northern Ireland) Order 2002|url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/2002/3151/contents|website=Legislation.gov.uk|publisher=HM Government|access-date=12 March 2017|archive-date=22 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222052020/http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/2002/3151/contents|url-status=live}}</ref>

According to [[Corporate Watch]] in 2019 the UK was importing more than £55m worth of fur, including £5.3m from China.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://corporatewatch.org/the-fur-industry-a-corporate-overview/ | title=The Fur Industry: A corporate overview | date=6 April 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/17/uk-urged-to-ban-fur-imports-from-china-over-animal-abuse-claims | title=UK urged to ban fur imports from China over animal abuse claims | website=[[TheGuardian.com]] | date=17 March 2021 }}</ref>

In August 2022 an animal rights campaign group "Shut Down T&S Rabbits" succeeded in closing down a network of rabbit meat and fur farms across the East Midlands region.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://corporatewatch.org/interview-how-we-shut-down-ts-rabbit-breeders/ | title=Interview: How we shut down T&S rabbit breeders | date=September 2022 }}</ref>

== Pandemic risk==
In a 2023 editorial for ''PNAS'', scholars in the Department of Infectious Disease at [[Imperial College London]] argued that "mink, more so than any other farmed species, pose a risk for the emergence of future disease outbreaks and the evolution of future pandemics."<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Peacock |first1=Thomas P. |last2=Barclay |first2=Wendy S. |date=2023-07-25 |title=Mink farming poses risks for future viral pandemics |journal=Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences |language=en |volume=120 |issue=30 |pages=e2303408120 |doi=10.1073/pnas.2303408120 |pmid=37467264 |issn=0027-8424|pmc=10372571 |bibcode=2023PNAS..12003408P }}</ref>

=== Denmark ===
{{main|Cluster 5}}
On 6 November 2020, Denmark announced it would cull its entire 17 million mink population, divided over more than 1,000 Danish mink farms, as an emergency measure to prevent the spread of a mutated strain of [[COVID-19]], of which at least five cases were found.<ref name="Denmark culling"/> By 9 November, more than 200 people have been infected with mink-related coronavirus,<ref name="Briggs"/> while 7 out of the 11 municipalities of the [[North Jutland Region]] were put under a strict lockdown from 6 November until at least 3 December to contain the spread.<ref name="North Jutland lockdown">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-54833459 |title=Coronavirus: Denmark imposes lockdowns amid mink covid fears |work=BBC News |date=6 November 2020 |access-date=10 November 2020}}</ref> On 10 November, the process was put on hold due to political opposition, which argued that there was not enough scientific evidence yet whether the new virus variant was dangerous and thus whether the culling was necessary, given the loss of livelihood for fur farmers it would result in.<ref name="Kevany">{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/09/denmark-drops-plans-for-mass-mink-cull-after-covid-mutation-fears |title=Denmark drops plans for mass mink cull after Covid mutation fears |author=Sophie Kevany & Tom Carstensen |work=The Guardian |date=9 November 2020 |access-date=10 November 2020}}</ref> By then, 2.5 million of its estimated 15 to 17 million mink population had already been culled. A Danish fur farmer interests association agreed that the culling should take place eventually, but that an agreement on proper compensation of the farmers should be reached beforehand. Meanwhile, it had been discovered that the North Jutland Region lockdown had been insufficient, as the mutated coronavirus had already spread to hundreds of mink farms elsewhere in Denmark.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.rtlnieuws.nl/nieuws/buitenland/artikel/5196219/nertsen-denemarken-illegaal-massale-ruiming |title=Massale ruiming nertsen blijkt 'illegaal', geeft Deense premier toe |work=[[RTL Nieuws]] |date=11 November 2020 |access-date=12 November 2020 |language=nl}}</ref> Although the Danish government halted the mandatory culling in mid-November, it still recommended culling, which continued on a voluntary basis. Industry group [[Kopenhagen Fur]] (accounting for 40% of mink production worldwide) announced it would gradually cease operations in 2–3 years because the circumstances had critically undermined the future of the global fur trade. An [[European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control|ECDC]] risk report warned that the Danish mink-mutated coronavirus, called Cluster 5, was a danger that had to be controlled, although the gravity was not yet fully understood. Leading American virologist [[Anthony Fauci]] downplayed the risk posed by Cluster 5.<ref name="Lewis">{{Cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kopenhagen-fur-shut-down-mink-covid-19-demark/ |title=Major fur auctioneer to shut down following link between mink and COVID-19 in Demark |author=Sophie Lewis |work=CBS News |date=14 November 2020 |access-date=15 November 2020}}</ref>

=== Netherlands ===
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands]], by 25 May 2020 there were two cases where minks had infected humans with an apparently mutated form of the virus. There was high political pressure on the Agriculture Minister [[Carola Schouten]] to immediately cull all minks to prevent spreading this new version to humans. On 26 May, Schouten decided to wait for the veterinary epidemiological research report of 29 May, and said culling was only to be employed as a 'last resort'. Demands to execute all minks immediately, to prevent a fur farm from restarting operations after having been culled due to COVID-19 infections, and to phase out fur farming earlier than the agreed date of 1 January 2024, were all rejected by the minister as legally impossible.<ref name="NOS 26-05-2020">{{Cite news |url=https://nos.nl/artikel/2335170-schouten-in-uiterste-geval-alle-nertsen-ruimen.html |title=Schouten: in uiterste geval alle nertsen ruimen |author=ANP |work=NOS |date=26 May 2020 |access-date=26 May 2020 |language=nl |archive-date=1 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801000247/https://nos.nl/artikel/2335170-schouten-in-uiterste-geval-alle-nertsen-ruimen.html |url-status=live }}</ref> After the testing report was completed, Minister Schouten in early June that 10 mink farms in Brabant and Limburg had to be culled to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. An objection from two animal activist groups was overruled by the court. On 6 June 2020 the culling of around 1,500 mother minks with about 4 to 5 pups each at a farm in Deurne was commenced, later 9 others would follow in Milheeze (two), De Mortel, Elsendorp, Beek en Donk, Deurne, Landhorst and Venray.<ref name="Cleven">{{Cite news |url=https://www.bd.nl/brabant/nertsenbedrijf-in-deurne-als-eerste-geruimd-dit-is-voor-ons-ook-nieuw~ae5ae212/ |title=Nertsenbedrijf in Deurne als eerste geruimd: 'Dit is voor ons ook nieuw' |author=Ties Cleven, Ad de Koning |work=[[Brabants Dagblad]] |date=6 June 2020 |access-date=6 June 2020 |language=nl |archive-date=6 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200606101828/https://www.bd.nl/brabant/nertsenbedrijf-in-deurne-als-eerste-geruimd-dit-is-voor-ons-ook-nieuw~ae5ae212/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On 27 August 2020, the government decided to move the definitive prohibition on fur farming forward to 1 March 2021. This decision was taken on the advice of the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) when more and more of the around 130 remaining mink farms were infected by COVID-19, necessitating containment of the spread and a clear perspective for a sector that, by then, had lost its economic viability and political support.<ref name="Kester">{{Cite news |url=https://www.volkskrant.nl/nieuws-achtergrond/op-1-maart-volgend-jaar-is-het-afgelopen-met-de-nertsenhouderij-in-nederland~b2b8743e/ |title=Op 1 maart volgend jaar is het afgelopen met de nertsenhouderij in Nederland |author=Sacha Kester |work=[[de Volkskrant]] |date=27 August 2020 |access-date=6 October 2020 |language=nl}}</ref>

On 11 November, the Dutch government, on the advice of the OMT, decided to bring forward the phase-out again in order to limit the risk of mutation, with 1 January 2021 as the new target date.<ref name="Nu.nl"/> At that time, more than half of all mink farms had already been infected and culled, while preventive culling of not yet infected farms was in full swing to minimise the danger.<ref name="Nu.nl"/>

=== United States ===
The [[Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]] (CDC) stated on 4 November 2020 that there were 11 mink farms in the United States that had been infected with COVID-19, including in the states of [[Utah]], [[Wisconsin]] and [[Michigan]]. At least 8,000 mink had died due to the coronavirus at multiple farms in Utah and almost 3,400 at a Wisconsin farm. The [[Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association]] advocated culling the mink to prevent infections and especially mutations.<ref name="Kevany"/>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Animal–industrial complex]]
*[[Environmental impacts of fur farming]]
*[[Fur]]
* [[Animal rights]]
*[[Fur trade]]
* [[Animal welfare]]
*[[Factory farming]]
* [[Environmental impacts of fur farming]]
*[[Leather]]
* [[Fur clothing]]
* [[Fur trade]]
*[[Tanning (leather)|Tanning]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
* {{cite journal |author=[[European Commission]] |date=21 December 2023 |journal=[[Official Journal of the European Union]] |title=Communication from the Commission on the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) 'Fur Free Europe' (C/2023/1559) |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:C_202301559}}<!-- auto-translated from Polish by Module:CS1 translator -->


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{Commons category}}
*[http://www.furisgreen.com Fur is Green] – Fur Council of Canada
*[http://www.furisgreen.com Fur is Green] – Fur Council of Canada
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060716210108/http://www.whiteoak.org/learning/timeline.htm A Brief History of the Fur Trade] – White Oak Society
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20060716210108/http://www.whiteoak.org/learning/timeline.htm A Brief History of the Fur Trade] – White Oak Society
*[http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/refarticle.aspx?refid=761574462 The Fur Industry] – [[MSN Encarta]] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20090618043345/http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/refarticle.aspx?refid=761574462 another archive])
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090618043345/http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/refpages/refarticle.aspx?refid=761574462 The Fur Industry] – [[MSN Encarta]]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160820212119/http://www.turkistieto.fi/tmp_turkistieto_site_1.asp?sua=1&lang=3&s=1 *Information on Finnish Furfarming]

===Videos===
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20091224095413/http://www.efba-eu.com/video.html Fur Farming in Europe] – EFBA
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20091224095413/http://www.efba-eu.com/video.html Fur Farming in Europe] – EFBA


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[[Category:Animal husbandry]]
[[Category:Animal husbandry]]
[[Category:Animal rights]]
[[Category:Animal welfare]]
[[Category:Clothing controversies]]
[[Category:Clothing controversies]]
[[Category:Cruelty to animals]]
[[Category:Cruelty to animals]]
[[Category:Ethically disputed business practices]]
[[Category:Ethically disputed business practices towards animals]]
[[Category:Fur]]
[[Category:Fur]]
[[Category:Fur trade]]
[[Category:Fur trade]]

Latest revision as of 09:04, 4 December 2024

A fur farm in Ostrobothnia, Finland
Map of countries that banned fur farming.
A mink farm (after 1900)
A mink farm in the United States
A mink farm in Poland

Fur farming is the practice of breeding or raising certain types of animals for their fur.

Most of the world's farmed fur was produced by European farmers[citation needed]. In 2018, there were 5,000 fur farms in the EU, located across 22 countries; these areas of production collectively accounted for 50% of the global production of farmed fur.[1][2] However, by 2023 only 11 countries in the EU still farmed animals for fur, and three of these countries had issued a legal ban on the activity effective within several years.[3]

The EU accounted for 63% of global mink production and 70% of fox production. Globally, the top fur producers were China and Finland.[4] Denmark was also leading, accounting for approximately 28% of world mink fur production, until its government culled all of the farmers' stocks without legal authority in 2020.[5] Finland is the largest United States supplier of fox pelts.

The United States is a major exporter of fur skins. Major export markets include China, Russia, Canada, and the EU. Exports to Asia as a share of total exports grew from 22% in 1998 to 47% in 2002.[6] As of 2012, Russia was reported to be the world's biggest sales market for fur.[7][8] China has been the world's largest importer of fur pelts and the largest exporter of finished fur products.[9]

Fur farming has been banned in the United Kingdom (since 2000),[10][11] Austria (since 2005),[12][13] Slovenia (effective 2015),[14] Croatia (effective 2017),[13][15][16] Luxembourg (effective 2018),[16] the Czech Republic (effective 2019),[17] the Netherlands (effective 2021),[18] Republic of Ireland (effective 2022),[16] Italy (effective June 2022),[19][16] Malta (effective 2022),[16] Belgium (effective across the country 2023),[16] Slovakia (effective 2025),[14] Norway (effective February 2025),[20] Estonia (effective 2025), Lithuania (effective 2027), Romania (effective 2027)[21] and Latvia (effective 2028).[22][3] In Switzerland and Germany, the regulations for fur farming are very strict, with the result that there are no fur farms.[13][14] Denmark (2009), France (2020) and Hungary (2021) introduced a ban on fur farming of certain species, while Spain announced a plan in 2022 to close down all fur farms by 2030.[3] Fur farming was not present as of 2023 in Portugal and Cyprus.[14]

Demand fell in the late 1980s and 1990s as a result of a number of factors, including the efforts of animal rights campaigners and the failure of designers to come up with exciting new lines. Since the turn of the millennium, however, sales worldwide have soared to record highs, fueled by radically new techniques for working with fur, and a sharp rise in disposable income in China and Russia. This growing demand has led to the development of extensive fur farming operations in China and Poland.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, mink turned out to be very susceptible to human–mink infection, sparking fears of widespread outbreaks and mutations in the mink farm populations of many countries that could in turn infect humans with different strains of the coronavirus, making it potentially immune for a COVID-19 vaccine.[23] Several mink farms in the Netherlands have been entirely culled since June 2020, and in August 2020 the phaseout of fur farming was accelerated from 1 January 2024 to 1 March 2021.[18][24] In July 2020, Spain culled 100,000 mink.[23] On 6 November 2020, Denmark announced it would cull its entire 17 million mink population as an emergency to prevent the spread of a mutated strain of COVID-19, of which at least five cases were found.[25] On 11 November, the Netherlands again moved the phase-out forward, now putting 1 January 2021 as the target date to limit the risk of mutation.[26] Kopenhagen Fur (accounting for 40% of mink production worldwide) announced mid-November it would gradually cease operations in 2–3 years because the circumstances had critically undermined the future of the global fur trade.[27]

History

[edit]
Cat skins

While wearing fur clothing in cold weather as protection goes back to the Stone Age, the source for this material came from the wild. As human populations grew, furs, leathers, and hides for use in clothing came from farm stock, such as sheep (sheepskin), rabbits, cattle, pigs, and goats. Archaeologists have discovered evidence of red fox breeding in the late Iron Age on Orkney, off the northern coast of Scotland. After the attack of the Vikings in Scotland around 800 CE, the breeding is said to have stopped.[28] The earliest records of breeding mink for fur in North America were in the 1860s. Foxes were first raised on farms for fur in Prince Edward Island in Canada in 1895.[2]

Historically, the fur trade played an important economic role in the United States. Fur trappers explored and opened up large parts of North America, and the fashion for beaver hats led to intense competition for the raw materials. Starting in the latter half of the 20th century, producers and wearers of fur have been criticized by animal rights activists because of the cruelty involved in animal trapping, and because of the widespread availability of inexpensive substitutes including natural fibers (such as cotton, hemp) as well as synthetic fibers. In 1991, New York Times journalist John F. Burns described the American fur industry as "shrinking with no end in sight."[29]

Today, 85 percent of the fur clothing industry's pelts come from animals raised on farms. The rest is from animals caught in the wild. The most farmed fur-bearing animal is the mink (50 million annually), followed by the fox (about 4 million annually). Asiatic and Finnish raccoon and chinchilla are also farmed for their fur. As of 2008, 64 percent of fur farms were in Northern Europe, 11 percent in North America, and the rest were dispersed throughout the world, in countries such as Argentina and Russia.[30]

Species

[edit]

Mink

[edit]
Mink colours

Mink have been farmed for fur in the United States for 130 years, though domestic demand for fur started to decline rapidly by the late 1980s.[31] In 2010, the U.S. ranked fifth in production behind Denmark, China, the Netherlands, and Poland. Mink typically breed in March and give birth to their litters in May. Farmers vaccinate the young kits for botulism, distemper, enteritis, and, if needed, pneumonia. They are slaughtered in November and December. Methods for euthanizing animals on fur farms, as on all farms, are detailed in the American Veterinary Medical Association's Report on Euthanasia which is used as a guideline for state departments of agriculture which have jurisdiction over all farms raising domesticated livestock, including mink.[32]

The white mink, a northern European breed, was introduced into Canada in 1968. Most mink production in Canada occurs in Nova Scotia which, with 116 licensed farms in 2016, generated revenues of nearly $54 million by contributing approximately 1.4 million pelts to global markets. That accounted for an average of half of all Canada's mink pelts.[33] Production of black mink in particular has grown significantly since 2000, with emerging markets in Russia, China, and South Korea accounting for most of the new demand. Black mink was first bred in Nova Scotia in the late 1950s and has proven popular as a versatile colour. Most Nova Scotia fur product is sold in China where it is manufactured into luxury garments.

Chinchilla

[edit]
Chinchilla
A two-year-old standard gray female chinchilla

The international trade in chinchilla fur goes back to the 16th century and the animal (whose name literally means "Little Chincha") is named after the Chincha people of the Andes, who wore its soft, dense fur. By the end of the 19th century, chinchillas had become quite rare. In 1923, Mathias F. Chapman brought the eleven wild chinchillas he had captured to the U.S. for breeding.[34] Only three of these were female. Empress Chinchilla is the breeders association for the chinchilla farmers, many of whom are based in the United States, including California. Empress Chinchilla runs a certification program for farmers.[citation needed].[35]

Fox

[edit]
"Cross fox" furs. The cross across the shoulders is a common red fox marking.
Caged red fox (silver morph)

Finland is the world's leading producer of fox pelts. In the United States, fox production is about 10,000 pelts, produced in about 10 states. Canada produces ten to fifteen times as many fox furs as the USA.[36]

Dog and cat

[edit]

The United States banned the import, export, and sale of products made from dog and cat fur in 2000.[37] Italy, France, Denmark, Greece, Belgium, and Australia ban the import of domestic cat and dog fur but the sale is still quasi-legal.[38] In most countries, novelty items made from farmed cat and dog fur is available in the form of animal toys or as trim on garments like boots, jackets and handbags. The European Union banned imports in 2009.[39]

Rabbit

[edit]
A load of rabbit skins (c. 1905)

The main breed in the rabbit fur farming industry is the Rex (Castor Rex and Chinchilla Rex). Breeding animals are kept for up to three years, and usually give birth twice a year. The kits are taken from their mothers at 4 weeks old and put in a nursery with other kits. After this, the mothers are kept separated from their kits, and they get put together only for feeding. When the kits are 7 to 8 weeks old, they are put in solitary cages, where they are kept for about 6–7 months, and are slaughtered after they have shed their winter fur. The rabbits are kept in bare wire mesh cages. A cage for one rabbit has the floor space of about two shoe boxes. The mortality rate for caged Rex is 10–15%, mostly from respiratory disease.[40]

Farmed mink production cycle

[edit]

Conditioning and breeding (December – March)

[edit]

During this time of year, ranchers are primarily focused on bringing their selected mink into a good condition that is suitable for breeding. Mink are a monoestrous species that undergo delayed implantation when bred successfully, this means that the breeding season can be the most strenuous time of year both in terms of animal nutrition and human labor.[41] It is essential that management practices employ a feeding program that maintains a nutritional diet that is adequate for both male and female mink. A feeding program that encourages the removal of excess weight and an environment that facilitates an increase in exercise is important for good production and a successful whelp.[42] Mink are usually fed once or twice a day during the growing season; on most farms they are fed the same quantity of food on all cages and close to an ad libitum amount so that 50% of all cages have feed left over the next day.[43] In addition to fur quality and production traits, breeder selection should concentrate on health and temperament (21) to improve the welfare of the herd.[44]

Breeding records are kept for each individual mink, this includes information on the dates of mating, genetics involving family lineage, reproductive success, health status, and fur characteristics.[42]

Whelping and weaning (April – June)

[edit]

In preparation for whelping, comfortable conditions are prepared for the female by providing ample aspen bedding in which she can create a nest. It is well known that female mink are highly motivated to perform maternal-related nest building during the majority of their gestation period,[45] this is why providing an abundance of substrate to prepare a nest is crucial to maintain the animals welfare. Unnecessary stress and noises should be avoided so due to the sensitivity of female mink during late gestation. Gestation varies from 40 to 70 days, this time is often shortened by extending the daylight period by use of artificial lighting.[42]

Females give birth to 5–6 kits on average. Since kits are born altricial, the female spends most of her time in the nest boxes caring for them. Mink kits are fully dependent on the dam's milk and will nurse for the first four weeks of their life.[46] Maternal care is essential to promote offspring survival and growth, particularly in American mink who give birth to altricial young.[47] Ranchers should check them regularly to ensure all the kits are warm, receiving enough milk, and are growing well. Females can lose significant body condition during lactation so their health is monitored by visual observations of behavior, appearance, and feed consumption.[42] Weaning takes place when the kits reach approximately 6–8 weeks old. The changes that take place during weaning can be stressful for both dam and kits therefore is done at a time that is most beneficial for the mother and litter. Ranchers should ensure the kits are able to consume solid feed and drink water independently before they are ready for weaning.[44]

Growth and furring (July – October)

[edit]

Very rapid growth takes place during the growth phase of the production cycle. For about 10–11 weeks, it is critical that the juvenile kits have access to adequate amounts of feed that is formulated to meet their nutritional needs. Maintaining a feeding routine that allows for multiple distributions of feed a day will help keep feed fresh and encourage appetite.[44] In July, all mink (including kits and adult breeders) are vaccinated to prevent diseases and promote health and welfare of the herd. Once August arrives, the skeletal growth of kits is complete and the subsequent growth of primarily fat begins. The growth of fur predominantly takes place during the fall where it begins at the tail and continues up the back and to the head. Ranchers maintain a clean, healthy environment during this time by performing daily husbandry practices, this includes; cleaning nest boxes, removal of surrounding debris and manure from the barn, bedding the cages, and up-keeping the cleanliness of the facility and farming equipment. Ranchers are diligent toward creating an environment that prioritizes the welfare of each animal and allows them to live and function comfortably within their environment.[citation needed]

Grading and slaughter (November – December)

[edit]

Mink are carefully evaluated in November or early December in order to physically assess their coat color, characteristics, and quality. Fur quality, along with skin size are two of the most important traits that are under intense selection in most mink breeding programs.[48] Each mink will be given a grade dictated by the attributes of their coat; this is valuable in determining which mink will be kept as breeding stock for next season. Fur quality, color, and body size are judged by the farmer or a professional grader.[49] Fur grades are often used alongside size, weight, health history, parent reproductive success, litter size, and temperament to assess the quality and potential of each animal.[42]

The methods used to slaughter mink include neck breaking, electricity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, argon, and lethal injection.[50] The most common method of slaughter is by subjecting the animal to a chamber that contains carbon monoxide. Pelting takes place either on site or upon shipping the mink to an offsite operation.[42]

By-products

[edit]

After pelting, mink bodies are typically sent for either incineration or rendering where they can be converted into bone and meat meal.[51] The meat from most fur-bearers is not usually eaten by humans, therefore the carcasses will go on to become various products such as pet food, animal feed, organic compost, fertilizer, paint, and even tires. Carcasses sometimes go to animal sanctuaries, zoos, and aquariums to feed animals, and some end up as crab bait. Some biological supply companies offer preserved skinned carcasses of ranched mink for classroom dissection specimens as an alternative to cats or other domesticated mammals. Mink feces are used as organic crop fertiliser, and mink fat is turned into oil to manufacture soap, face oils, cosmetics, and leather treatments.[52]

Controversy

[edit]

Methods used on fur farms to maximize profits are employed at the expense of the welfare of fur producing animals, though the exact scope of cruelty in the industry is hotly debated.[53][54][55]

As with other types of animal farming, living conditions of animals vary, and extreme cases are of much contention. According to PETA, the majority of fur farmers pack animals into small cages, preventing them from taking more than a few steps back and forth. PETA claims foxes and other animals suffer as a result of the confined environment, and may even cannibalize each other as a reaction to their confinement.[53] In other cases, as with passing of animal welfare legislation in Italy, animals are required to be given enriched living environments in which they can climb on branches, dig holes, use a nest of 50 × 50 cm and also have a water basin of at least 2 × 2 metres and 50 cm deep in which to swim.[56] Farmers argue that 50 years ago, the animals were kept in large outdoor holding areas, with pools of water. However, such farms resulted in high disease rates for the animals and were not practical. Farmers claim that today's farmed animals only know farm life as they have been domesticated through over 100 of years of selective breeding.[57] The methods used for slaughtering the animals on farms and in the wild vary depending on the animal. For farmed mink, the American Veterinary Medical Association researches the best methods and publishes a report on the subject every 7 to 10 years. This report is used to guide state departments of agriculture which have jurisdiction over farm animals, including farm-raised mink. For those harvesting wild furs, biologists and wildlife managers dictate seasons, method of slaughter, and numbers of animals to be harvested.

Austria

[edit]

In Austria, six of the nine federal states have banned fur farming, and the remaining three enforce such strict welfare regulations, in relation to the availability of swimming water, that fur farming is no longer economically viable.[56]

Canada

[edit]

Quebec

[edit]

In 2014, for the first time in Canadian history, a Quebec fur farmer by the name of Jean-Luc Rodier was charged with animal cruelty following an investigation by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (S.P.C.A.). Fox and mink at the fur farm were seized by animal welfare organizations and some were in such poor condition that they had to be euthanized.[58] Following the S.P.C.A. investigation, this Quebec fur farm was raided by anonymous activists who set free thousands of animals.[59]

British Columbia

[edit]

Video footage taken at fur farms in 2014 in British Columbia by the A.P.F.A.[60] was described by the S.P.C.A. as "inherently inhumane".[61] Animal rights activists in the city of Vancouver have been using legal and illegal actions to protest selling fur such as vandalism, home demonstrations of fur shop owners, and organizing public protests.[62]

Ontario

[edit]

Canadian fur farms in the Province of Ontario have been repeatedly targeted by the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). Thousands of mink were freed from farms across the province during 2013[63] and 2015.[64] The mink breeders association of Ontario responded by offering a hundred thousand dollar bounty leading to a conviction of the persons responsible.[65] Undercover footage was also released by the ALF in 2015 of several Ontario area mink farms, showcasing injured animals and mink cages covered in feces and maggots.[66] Animal rights organizations across the province have taken a wide array of actions to stop the fur trade, such as public protests and disruptions of fur fashion shows.[67][68]

China

[edit]
Raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)

In 2005, animals rights group The Swiss Animal Protection produced a video alleging that fur-bearing animals – including the "Asiatic raccoon" (raccoon dog) – were being skinned while still alive in Shangcun Market. The China Fur Commission and China Leather Industry Association challenged the authenticity of the video, stating: "Pictures showing animals being skinned alive are obviously plotted. All those with common sense would not choose this slaughter method to attain fur."[69] The government of Suning County, Hebei Province also issued a statement, outlining welfare practices it claimed to practice on its fur farms and calling the alleged practice of skinning animals alive "unimaginable."[70] Swiss Animal Protection then published a 2009 video showing the skinning of raccoon dogs and other canids. The video showed them being beaten with sticks and thrown to the ground in an attempt to kill them before being hung from their rear legs and skinned alive. One investigator filmed a raccoon dog being skinned alive before being thrown onto a heap of carcasses. After the skinning it still had enough strength to lift its bloodied head and stare into the camera.[71] A 2013 investigation by a Dalian-based Chinese animal welfare group reported similarly cruel practices at various fur farms in Liaoning province.[72] The International Fur Federation [de] found two fur workers who had appeared in the 2009 video and through interviews as well as affidavits, alleged they were approached by two others to stage the cruelty.[73][74] A 2018 Shanghaiist article noted that although it was more than likely some animals had been skinned alive in China, to extrapolate that all or most of the farms did this was wrong.[75]

In 2006, the State Forestry Administration (SFA) announced it was planning to offer training courses for fur farmers to improve the living conditions of fur animals.[76] Legislation was drafted in September 2009 to address any cruelty to animals in China. If passed, the legislation would regulate how farm animals are raised, transported, and slaughtered.[77]

Estonia

[edit]

Estonian citizens have a partial right to submit initiatives with at least 1000 signatures to the parliament since 2014. They do not directly go to the parliamentary hall but go through a process of review in a subject commission.[78][79] On 21 November 2014, the Estonian animal advocacy organization Loomus submitted a petition to ban fur farming in the country with a 10-year transition period with 10 000 signatures to the parliament.[80][81][82][83] This was preceded by secretly filmed anonymous documentary footage being aired both online via YouTube and on Estonian National Television[84] depicting the conditions of the animals in 2012 (aired 2013) and 2014.[85][86][87] The Estonian animal advocacy organization Loomus issued a comment after the airings of Estonian Public Broadcasting outlining the documented disregard animal welfare regulations and pointing out the numerous injuries of animals that were documented.[87][88]

The petition has since been under review in the commission of agricultural affairs.[89] The commission procured a study on the economic significance of the industry from the Estonian University of Life Sciences published in 2016, which did not state the exact number of farms in existence but did outline that the mink and fox farms employed 74 full-time workers in 2014, with the majority concentrated in the largest factory in the Baltic States, in Karjaküla, near Tallinn.[88][90] It also reported the chinchilla farms employed 20.5 full-time workers in 2014.[90] The activists have voiced their concern about the bias inherent in the study, which according to them by and large ignored ethical and environmental arguments, as a number of the experts in the study panel were found to have direct links to and vested interests in the fur industry.[91] The commission is expected to formulate their opinion and vote whether the petition would move on to a law drafting phase and public discussion in the full quorum of the parliament in the fall of 2016.[89][92]

On 22 August 2016, activists launched an additional international petition inviting the Estonian Parliament to ban fur farming in the country at change.org.[93]

Estonian parliament banned fur farms on 2 June 2021. There is a transitional period that permits keeping mink and raccoon dogs in farms until the end of 2025 if the permit was issued before 1 July 2021.[94]

Finland

[edit]
Fur animal in Finland in 2018

Finnish citizens have had a right to instigate parliamentarian law initiatives since 2012. The first citizens' initiative to gain enough signatures was that instituting a ban on fur farming. Some 70,000 citizens signed the initiative within the required time period in 2013.[95] In a march to Parliament House, Helsinki on 18 June.,[96] four to five hundred people appealed to members of parliament to approve the citizens' initiative to ban fur farming. According to animal expert MSc Sesse Koivisto (wife of Ilkka Koivisto ex-director of the Korkeasaari Zoo) in Helsingin Sanomat in 2010, fur farming did not provide acceptable conditions for the animals. In order to stop the suffering of animals, she demanded a ban on fur farming in Helsingin Sanomat, as in some other countries.[97] On 19 June 2013, the Finnish Parliament rejected the first citizens' initiative to ban fur farming. A positive development in the politics of Finland was that the initiative was taken in the Parliament for public voting.[98][99]

In Finland in August 2016, there were about 950 active fur farms. The breeding of fur-animals has had a long tradition in Finland, having been professionally conducted since the 1920s. Up to 90% of the fur-farming community is situated in the rural areas of Ostrobothnia and employs four to six thousand people. Today, fur farming is strictly regulated by law. The Finnish Furbreeders Association has developed its own national program of certification and animal health welfare that is tied to the ISO 9001 standard and monitored by the Det Norske Veritas. The fur animals are housed in shelter buildings or halls, where each animal has a specific place marked with a kit card.[citation needed] The Humane Society of the United States published videos in 2019 and 2021 showing minks with untreated wounds along with foxes with allegedly deformed feet, missing ears, or diseased eyes on the farms.[100][101]

France

[edit]

On 29 September 2020, Environment Minister Barbara Pompili announced that France's four remaining mink farms would be closed within the next 5 years.[102]

Lithuania

[edit]

On 21 September 2023, Lithuanian parliament Seimas adopted a law banning fur farming by 2027.[103] Owners of fur farms will be compensated, but the size of the compensations has been the subject of complaints from the business community. They will be paid 3 euros per animal in the first year, 2 euros per animal in the second year and one euro in the final year. The government will also compensate redundancy payments for farm workers and cover costs related to the demolition of buildings, the destruction of equipment and waste management.[22]

Republic of Ireland

[edit]

In the Republic of Ireland there were three fur farms in operation as of August 2014.[104] These farms focused mainly on the trade of mink fur (some farms which previously used fox fur were winding down operation as such trade is no longer economically viable). In 2006, approximately 170,000 mink and 300 foxes were harvested in the Republic of Ireland.[105] Furs were exported from the Republic of Ireland to other EU member states or to countries in Asia and North America. In the Republic of Ireland, fur farms were monitored by the Department of Agriculture, and welfare standards of Ireland and the European Union were required to be adhered to at all times.

In October 2009, there were discussions within the political sphere on the banning of fur farms in the Republic of Ireland.[106] Animal welfare groups welcomed such proposals,[107] though concern was highlighted, in terms of its impact on rural communities where alternative industries are scarce. Fur farming in the Republic of Ireland contributed about €15 million per year to the economy as of 2014.[104] A ban was subsequently passed before being overturned by Minister for Agriculture at the time Simon Coveney of Fine Gael after the party formed a new government following the 2011 election.

A renewed campaign and efforts to push the Irish government or current Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed to re-implement a phase-out ban took place from 2018 to 2019.[108] Following the introduction of the Solidarity party's 'Prohibition of Fur Farming Bill 2018', the government gave in to political and public pressure and agreed conclusively through Minister Creed to implement a phase-out ban on fur farming in Ireland with the finer details to be announced afterwards.[109]

Legislation banning fur farming in Ireland was brought into force on 4 April 2022, resulting in the closure of Ireland's three remaining fur farms.[110][111]

Netherlands

[edit]

Fur farming of chinchillas and foxes is banned. Legislation to phase out mink fur farming (and thereby effectively all fur farming) by 2024 was approved by the end of 2012.[112]

Russia

[edit]

PETA published a video in 2019 alleging that animals were "still suffering terribly" in Russian fur farms, with slaughter methods involving beating, decapitation while conscious, and prolonged electrocution.[113][114]

Spain

[edit]

In July 2020, Spain culled 100,000 mink after a farm in the Aragon province was infected with COVID-19.[23]

Sweden

[edit]

As of November 2020, there were about 35 to 40 mink farms in Sweden, 10 of which had been infected with COVID-19. The government was not planning any culling as of 9 November 2020, but animal rights group Djurens Rätt was advocating for one in order to minimise the risk of a mutation that could compromise a COVID-19 vaccine.[115]

United Kingdom

[edit]

After a long campaign of daily protests, an act of parliament was introduced to ban the farming of animals for their fur. Fur farmers were given compensation in England and Wales in 2000. At second reading, the ban in England and Wales was justified principally on grounds of public morality.[56] Prior to the ban, there had been 11 fur farms in the UK producing about 100,000 pelts annually. Respect for Animals Campaign director Mark Glover said at the time: "To keep animals in such conditions in the name of fashion is totally unacceptable in a civilised society."

"We're the first country to introduce a national ban. It is a massive victory for us."

The Bill honoured Labour's pre-election pledge to end fur factory farming.[116] Although the last fur farm in Scotland had closed in 1993, the Scottish Parliament nevertheless banned fur farming in 2002. Fur farming was also banned in Northern Ireland in 2002 under the Fur Farming (Prohibition) (Northern Ireland) Order 2002.[117]

According to Corporate Watch in 2019 the UK was importing more than £55m worth of fur, including £5.3m from China.[118][119]

In August 2022 an animal rights campaign group "Shut Down T&S Rabbits" succeeded in closing down a network of rabbit meat and fur farms across the East Midlands region.[120]

Pandemic risk

[edit]

In a 2023 editorial for PNAS, scholars in the Department of Infectious Disease at Imperial College London argued that "mink, more so than any other farmed species, pose a risk for the emergence of future disease outbreaks and the evolution of future pandemics."[121]

Denmark

[edit]

On 6 November 2020, Denmark announced it would cull its entire 17 million mink population, divided over more than 1,000 Danish mink farms, as an emergency measure to prevent the spread of a mutated strain of COVID-19, of which at least five cases were found.[25] By 9 November, more than 200 people have been infected with mink-related coronavirus,[23] while 7 out of the 11 municipalities of the North Jutland Region were put under a strict lockdown from 6 November until at least 3 December to contain the spread.[122] On 10 November, the process was put on hold due to political opposition, which argued that there was not enough scientific evidence yet whether the new virus variant was dangerous and thus whether the culling was necessary, given the loss of livelihood for fur farmers it would result in.[115] By then, 2.5 million of its estimated 15 to 17 million mink population had already been culled. A Danish fur farmer interests association agreed that the culling should take place eventually, but that an agreement on proper compensation of the farmers should be reached beforehand. Meanwhile, it had been discovered that the North Jutland Region lockdown had been insufficient, as the mutated coronavirus had already spread to hundreds of mink farms elsewhere in Denmark.[123] Although the Danish government halted the mandatory culling in mid-November, it still recommended culling, which continued on a voluntary basis. Industry group Kopenhagen Fur (accounting for 40% of mink production worldwide) announced it would gradually cease operations in 2–3 years because the circumstances had critically undermined the future of the global fur trade. An ECDC risk report warned that the Danish mink-mutated coronavirus, called Cluster 5, was a danger that had to be controlled, although the gravity was not yet fully understood. Leading American virologist Anthony Fauci downplayed the risk posed by Cluster 5.[27]

Netherlands

[edit]

During the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands, by 25 May 2020 there were two cases where minks had infected humans with an apparently mutated form of the virus. There was high political pressure on the Agriculture Minister Carola Schouten to immediately cull all minks to prevent spreading this new version to humans. On 26 May, Schouten decided to wait for the veterinary epidemiological research report of 29 May, and said culling was only to be employed as a 'last resort'. Demands to execute all minks immediately, to prevent a fur farm from restarting operations after having been culled due to COVID-19 infections, and to phase out fur farming earlier than the agreed date of 1 January 2024, were all rejected by the minister as legally impossible.[124] After the testing report was completed, Minister Schouten in early June that 10 mink farms in Brabant and Limburg had to be culled to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. An objection from two animal activist groups was overruled by the court. On 6 June 2020 the culling of around 1,500 mother minks with about 4 to 5 pups each at a farm in Deurne was commenced, later 9 others would follow in Milheeze (two), De Mortel, Elsendorp, Beek en Donk, Deurne, Landhorst and Venray.[24] On 27 August 2020, the government decided to move the definitive prohibition on fur farming forward to 1 March 2021. This decision was taken on the advice of the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) when more and more of the around 130 remaining mink farms were infected by COVID-19, necessitating containment of the spread and a clear perspective for a sector that, by then, had lost its economic viability and political support.[18]

On 11 November, the Dutch government, on the advice of the OMT, decided to bring forward the phase-out again in order to limit the risk of mutation, with 1 January 2021 as the new target date.[26] At that time, more than half of all mink farms had already been infected and culled, while preventive culling of not yet infected farms was in full swing to minimise the danger.[26]

United States

[edit]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated on 4 November 2020 that there were 11 mink farms in the United States that had been infected with COVID-19, including in the states of Utah, Wisconsin and Michigan. At least 8,000 mink had died due to the coronavirus at multiple farms in Utah and almost 3,400 at a Wisconsin farm. The Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association advocated culling the mink to prevent infections and especially mutations.[115]

See also

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References

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