Helt uacceptabelt, forfærdeligt og bagvendt: Regeringen vil fortsætte minkavl
No animal should be exploited
At Dyrenes Alliance, we believe all animals deserve freedom and rights. That’s why we are deeply disturbed and horrified that the government has now decided to legalize mink farming in Denmark again.
It is both cruel and outdated to keep and kill millions of predators in tiny wire cages on fur farms for a non-essential fashion product. Fur farming will never be compatible with true animal rights, and it’s time to end fur farming.
Fur farms not only cause immense animal suffering, but they are also an environmental disaster and a serious threat to public health.
The catastrophic corona cull
Most remember the huge mink scandal. Denmark was once the world’s leading mink skin exporter when the Danish government in 2020 ordered the killing of over 15 million minks due to a suspected corona mutation in the animals.
Many animal rights activists had hoped this would bury the fur industry—but unfortunately, the reverse has proven true.
After the mink cull, the Danish government temporarily banned fur farming until 2021. Following recommendations from the Center for Infectious Disease Control, the government extended the ban through 2022. Now, however, mink farming will be legal again in Denmark.
At Dyrenes Alliance, we strongly oppose this. And we are not alone.
Several Danish animal rights groups and political parties also want a permanent end to fur farming.
Primarily for ethical reasons, but repeated corona outbreaks on mink farms have shown the public health risks arising from poor animal health in fur production. As concern for animal rights grows, 17 other European countries have already acted to ban fur farming.
The fur industry
Denmark was once the world’s biggest mink skin exporter, and the auction house Kopenhagen Fur is the largest globally, supplying skins mainly to China and Hong Kong.
However, fur industry revenues have been steadily declining, and Kopenhagen Fur has announced plans to permanently shut down within the next few years.
Due to ethical and environmental concerns from consumers, Vogue has reported how "a growing number of luxury brands and retailers are banning fur and exotic skins.”
These consumers are often inspired by countless global animal rights organizations fighting to expose the fur industry’s inherent cruelty and immorality. International Anti Fur Coalition has over 50 member organizations supporting an end to fur farming.
Humane Society International states that "animals bred for their fur (...) are confined their entire lives to small, barren wire cages. Unable to express basic natural behaviors (...) these naturally active and curious animals exhibit stereotypical signs of mental distress, including repetitive motion and pacing inside their cages."
Pressure from NGOs has made an impact. Over the past decades, more than 20 countries have severely restricted or banned fur farming, while Israel, several U.S. states, and cities have banned all sales of real fur.
But sadly, Denmark does not follow suit. We find this incomprehensible and are deeply disturbed by the government’s decision.
Help the animals: The minks need you
Though recent news is heartbreaking and a major setback for Danish animal rights, we will never stop fighting for a fur-free Europe!
We will be organizing various protests and demonstrations across Denmark that you can join. You'll find a list of upcoming events here.
It’s never been clearer that the fur industry belongs to the past—and now is the time to fight for an EU-wide ban.
Together, we can reach our goal—but the minks need YOUR signature. Sign and learn more about the European Citizens’ Initiative addressed to the EU Commission here.*
* Note: The signature campaign has ended. Instead, you can support our fight against fur farming by donating here.
There is momentum in the EU for a fur ban. 12 EU countries have urged the Commission to pursue a ban. The Commission is also conducting a comprehensive review of EU animal welfare legislation — a prime opportunity to consign the European fur industry to history.
Conclusion: The future of the fur industry
Is there a future for the fur industry? No!
The decision whether the mink ban should be permanent carries great weight for Denmark’s international reputation and millions of animals’ lives.
The fur trade shows every sign of being a dying industry: dwindling consumer support, falling sales, and declining income. The fact that minks can spread serious diseases to humans for the cost of a simple commodity should be a deal-breaker for politicians.
Luxury goods can never justify a life of suffering and captivity for an animal.
Times change— and it’s time for minks to keep their fur! Want to stand up against fur and animal abuse? Join the alliance.
