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...