Brussels, Belgium – A recent video capturing animals suffering on fur farms accompanies a damning scientific report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), revealing systemic welfare failures across Europe’s fur industry.

EFSA’s official opinion states that mink, foxes, raccoon dogs, and chinchillas raised for fur endure severe chronic welfare problems. These include confinement in barren cages that restrict movement, stress from sensory under- or overstimulation, inability to perform natural behaviors like playing, swimming, and foraging, and injuries caused by overcrowding and rough handling.

The expert panel concludes that these issues “cannot be prevented or substantially mitigated” under current farming systems, delivering a decisive condemnation of fur farming practices.

More than 6 million animals are kept on nearly 1,200 fur farms throughout the EU, mainly in Finland, Poland, Denmark, Spain, and Greece. Although fur farming is banned in 22 European countries, including 16 EU member states, millions of animals remain confined in the industry.

Humane World for Animals Europe urges the European Commission to enact an urgent EU-wide ban on fur farming, reflecting the voices of over 1.5 million EU citizens who signed a petition calling for a Fur Free Europe.

Dr Joanna Swabe, senior director of public affairs at Humane World for Animals Europe, said: “The suffering described by EFSA is totally incompatible with modern ethical animal welfare standards. This is a damning indictment that leaves the fur trade with no viable future.”

The report also highlights zoonotic disease risks linked to fur farms, including COVID-19 outbreaks on nearly 500 farms and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza detected on dozens of others.

Environmental concerns are severe, as fur production emits significantly higher greenhouse gases compared to other materials, with mink fur releasing 31 times more CO2 equivalent than cotton per kilogram.

Leading fashion brands such as Gucci, Prada, and Chanel have committed to fur-free policies as consumer and ethical pressure grows worldwide.

The European Commission is expected to announce its legislative response by March 2026, following its assessment of EFSA’s findings and public consultations.

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