In an opinion published on Wednesday 30 July, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) warns of “serious animal welfare problems” concerning the five main species farmed for their fur: mink, red fox, Arctic fox, raccoon dog and chinchilla.
The main negative factors identified are the small size and sterile conditions of the cages, which severely restrict movement and natural behaviour (such as foraging). The notice also mentions under-stimulation or, on the contrary, over-stimulation of the senses, in particular due to the absence of shelters or retreat areas.
According to EFSA, these problems cannot be significantly reduced under the current system of cage rearing, because the restricted space prevents the introduction of enriching elements such as open water, materials to search or hiding places.
However, the experts feel that certain aspects could be improved, in particular by adapting the food (quality, method of distribution) or by providing chews specific to each species (bones for foxes, hay for chinchillas).
In conclusion, EFSA believes that cage farming as currently practised is incompatible with the welfare of fur animals.
The global animal protection organisation FOUR PAWS, along with other animal protection NGOs, is calling on the European Commission to ban fur farming in the European Union, as requested by millions of citizens in the European citizens’ initiative (ECI) on the subject (see EUROPE 13270/13).
Link to opinion: https://aeur.eu/f/i2a (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)