No animals 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 keep mink farming legal in Denmark.
It’s both cruel and outdated to confine and kill millions of predators in tiny wire cages on fur factory farms for a completely non-essential fashion product. Fur farming will never be compatible with genuine animal rights, and it’s time to end fur farming.
Fur farms cause immense animal suffering, are an environmental disaster, and pose a serious threat to human health.
The disastrous corona cull
Most remember the huge mink scandal. Denmark was the world’s leading exporter of mink pelts when the Danish government in 2020 decided to cull more than 15 million mink due to a suspected corona mutation in the animals.
Many animal rights activists hoped the mink would take the fur industry down with them — but unfortunately, that has not been the case.
After the cull, the Danish government temporarily banned fur farming until 2021. Following recommendations from the Center for Infectious Disease Control, the government extended the ban until 2022. But now, it will again be legal to keep mink in Denmark.
We at Dyrenes Alliance strongly oppose this. And we’re not alone.
Several Danish animal rights groups and political parties want to permanently end fur farming.
This is primarily from an animal ethics standpoint, but repeated corona outbreaks on mink farms have revealed serious public health risks that come from poor animal health in fur production. As concern about animal rights grows, 17 other European countries have already taken action to ban breeding animals for their fur.
The fur industry
Denmark was once the world’s largest exporter of mink pelts, and the auction house Kopenhagen Fur is the world’s largest, supplying pelts primarily to China and Hong Kong.
However, fur industry revenues have steadily declined in recent years — and Kopenhagen Fur has announced plans to close permanently within a few years.
Due to ethical and environmental concerns among consumers, the internationally respected fashion magazine Vogue reports that "a growing number of luxury brands and retailers are banning fur and exotic skins."
These consumers may be inspired by countless animal rights organizations worldwide that fight to expose the fur industry’s inherent cruelty and unethical nature. International Anti Fur Coalition has over 50 member organizations supporting a final end to fur farming.
Humane Society International states that "animals bred for their fur (...) are confined in small, barren wire cages their entire lives. Unable to express their basic natural behaviors (...) these naturally active and curious animals exhibit stereotypic behaviors of mental distress, such as repetitive movements and circling within their cages."
Pressure from NGOs has had an impact. In recent decades, over 20 countries have severely restricted or completely banned fur farming, while Israel and numerous U.S. states and cities have banned the sale of real fur altogether.
But unfortunately, Denmark does not follow suit. We are baffled and deeply disturbed by the government’s decision.
Help the animals: The mink need you
Though recent news is very sad and a major setback for Danish animal rights, we will never give up fighting for a fur-free Europe!
We will hold various protests and demonstrations across Denmark, which you can join. Find an overview of upcoming events here.
It has never been clearer that the fur industry has no future, and now is the time to fight for an EU ban.
Together we can achieve our goal, but the mink need YOUR signature. Sign and learn more about the European Citizens’ Initiative directed to the EU Commission here.*
* Note: The signature collection has ended. Instead, you can support our fight against fur farming by making a donation here.
In the EU, momentum is building for a fur ban. Twelve EU countries have called on the Commission to work for a ban. Furthermore, the Commission is already reviewing EU animal welfare legislation, presenting 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 on whether the mink ban becomes permanent has huge implications for Denmark’s international reputation and the lives of millions of animals.
The fur trade shows every sign of being a dying industry: declining consumer support, sales, and income. That mink can spread serious diseases to humans for the price of a luxury item should be the last straw for policymakers.
Luxury goods can never justify an animal living its life in suffering and captivity.
Times change — and it’s time for mink to keep their fur on their bodies! Want to take a stand against fur and animal cruelty? Join the alliance.
