Progress in the EU: A New Chapter in the Fight Against Mink Fur
The European Union has taken an important step toward ending cruel mink farming on the continent by officially adding American minks to the list of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern. This designation could lead to a phase-out of mink fur farming across the EU, as Member States are required to prohibit the breeding, sale, keeping, transport, and release of invasive alien species. Although some countries may still be able to circumvent the ban if the European Commission permits them to issue exemptions for fur farmers, this move is nevertheless a major victory in the fight against mink fur farming. It creates new legal and logistical obstacles for continuing this violent industry and obligates Member States to help fur farmers transition to new livelihoods through financial compensation, vocational training, and reemployment programs.
According to Dr. Joanna Swabe, Senior Director of Public Affairs at Humane World for Animals Europe, “Including the American mink on the list of invasive alien species sends a strong message that the ecological and ethical costs of mink farming can no longer be tolerated. It should give Member States a clear legal foundation to shut down mink fur farms.”
Anti-fur advocates and concerned citizens across Europe view this as only the beginning and are calling for a bloc-wide ban on fur farming in the near future. Campaigners are urging the European Commission to reject any authorizations that would allow Member States to issue special permits to fur farmers. Now that the American mink is recognized as an invasive species, maintaining fur farms would require costly upgrades to ensure the animals cannot escape — expenses that would be irresponsible if an industry-wide ban is imminent.
American minks are native to North America and were introduced to Europe in the early 20th century for the purpose of fur farming and hunting. Millions of wild minks now roam the continent, descended from animals that escaped from farms. Their presence has disrupted native ecosystems, threatening waterbirds, amphibians, small mammals, and fish, and contributing to the decline of the critically endangered European mink.
Although China has surpassed Europe as the largest producer of mink fur, several European countries — including Poland, Greece, and Finland — still maintain active mink farming operations. A Europe-wide ban would spare millions of minks each year from suffering and death for cruel and unnecessary fashion and would send a powerful message to the rest of the world: this industry has no place in a just and compassionate society.
The United States should follow Europe’s lead by passing the Mink: Vectors for Infection Risk in the United States Act to help end this cruel and dangerous industry. Private companies also have a role to play by cutting ties with brands that support mink fur. You can stand up for minks today by signing and sharing our petition in support of the Mink VIRUS Act and our petition urging Sephora to drop Lilly Lashes for continuing to profit from mink cruelty.