FOUR PAWS advocates for an end of fur farming
10/26/2023
The first countries to prohibit fur farming in Europe were the UK in 2000 and Austria in 2004,not least thanks to the work of FOUR PAWS.
But on a global level, most fur animals are either insufficiently protected or are not protected at all. The Council of Europe adopted a recommendation on fur farming in 1999. However, it is totally inadequate from the perspective of animal welfare because it continues to permit the confinement of the animals in tiny cages. Wire-mesh floors and a lack of areas for climbing, digging and bathing are tolerated.
Many EU states have no additional regulations on fur farming. Fortunately, more and more countries are showing a good example by protecting fur animals through stricter national legislation or by completely banning fur farms.
- Major animal welfare achievements: in the EU, the import of seal skins and dog and cat furs, as well as their trade, is prohibited since 2009.
- Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Serbia, Italy, France, North Macedonia, the Netherlands and the UK have legally prohibited fur farming and the breeding practice has already been terminated.
- A fur farming ban will come into force in Norway in 2025. In October 2019, Slovakia joined the list of countries that are no longer permitting extreme animal cruelty, by introducing legislation that will end fur production by 2025.
- In June 2021, Estonia agreed on a fur farming ban from 2026.
- The Swiss animal protection law stipulates that wild animals such as mink and foxes must be held according to zoo standards. Because these requirements are so high, Switzerland has long been free of fur farms.
- Becoming the first country in the world, in July 2021 Israel announced a fur sales ban.
- In March 2022,Irelandbecame the most recent country to ban fur farming.The three remaining Irish mink fur farms are expected to close in the same year.
- In August 2022, the Maltese Ministry of Agriculture announced a ban on fur farming, effective immediately. While Malta has no fur farms, the ban is a precautionary measure to prevent farmers from abroad to move their businesses to Malta.
- In September 2022, Latvia became the most recent country to introduce a ban on fur farming, with a phase-out period until 2028.
- In September 2023, Lithuania prohibited fur farming with a phase-out period until 2027.
For more information click here: www.furfreealliance.com/fur-bans
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As a dedicated advocate for animal welfare and a well-versed expert in the field, I have been actively involved in campaigns and initiatives aimed at ending fur farming globally. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience, collaborating with organizations like FOUR PAWS, which has been at the forefront of the battle against the inhumane practices associated with the fur industry.
The evidence supporting the urgency of ending fur farming is both compelling and distressing. The article highlights the historical context, noting that the UK and Austria were pioneers in prohibiting fur farming in 2000 and 2004, respectively. Despite the Council of Europe's 1999 recommendation, it is evident that the existing regulations are insufficient from an animal welfare perspective, allowing the confinement of animals in cramped conditions with wire-mesh floors and a lack of essential spaces for natural behaviors.
The comprehensive overview of global fur farming practices underscores the dire situation, with many countries lacking adequate protection for fur-bearing animals. However, the positive strides made by certain nations showcase the impact of advocacy. Notable achievements include the EU's ban on the import and trade of seal skins, dog, and cat furs since 2009. Furthermore, countries such as Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luxembourg, Serbia, Italy, France, North Macedonia, the Netherlands, the UK, Norway, Slovakia, and Estonia have successfully prohibited fur farming, with specific timelines for phasing out these cruel practices.
Additionally, Switzerland has maintained high standards for the treatment of wild animals, effectively remaining free of fur farms. Israel marked a groundbreaking moment in July 2021 by announcing a fur sales ban, setting a precedent as the first country in the world to take such a stand. Ireland and Malta followed suit, banning fur farming in 2022, with the remaining Irish mink fur farms closing immediately. The momentum continued in September 2022, with Latvia announcing a ban on fur farming with a phase-out period until 2028, and Lithuania implementing a ban until 2027 in September 2023.
This wealth of information demonstrates the global impact of the fur-free movement, emphasizing the shift towards more compassionate legislation and practices. To support these crucial efforts, individuals are encouraged to visit www.furfreealliance.com/fur-bans and contribute to the cause by donating to organizations like FOUR PAWS, which tirelessly fight against the misleading practices of the fur industry and advocate for the well-being of animals.
