On 29 September (15:00-17:30 CEST), the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) will hold a free webinar on the welfare of animals kept for fur production. During the webinar, EFSA will present its newly published scientific opinion on the welfare of American mink, red and Arctic foxes, raccoon dog, and chinchilla kept for fur production. Here’s an infographic summarising the findings.
Response to citizens’ initiative Fur-Free Europe
The opinion contains the most up-to-date research on housing and management conditions for these animals. It was commissioned by the European Commission in response to the European Citizens’ Initiative “Fur Free Europe", which calls for a ban on fur farming and fur products across the EU. The Commission is expected to present its policy objectives on the matter by March 2026.
‘Lacking in key animal welfare issues’
In the opinion, EFSA concludes that the current housing systems on EU fur farms are lacking in key animal welfare issues, such as:
- Restricted movement and lack of space for natural, species-specific behaviours
- Inability to forage or explore, leading to frustration and abnormal behaviours
- Sensory deprivation or overstimulation, often exacerbated by handling and group stress
- Species-specific stressors, including predation stress and locomotor problems
Aligned with the FVE draft position paper
While EFSA's opinion focuses solely on animal welfare, FVE’s draft position paper (up for adoption at the November GA) takes a broader One Health–One Welfare perspective, also considering zoonotic risk, biodiversity, and environmental sustainability. Both documents conclude that fur farming presents serious animal welfare concerns and wider risks that render it disproportionate and unjustifiable.
Deadline 22 September
The programme of the webinar includes presentations by Frank Verdonck (EFSA), Lucie Carrouee (deputy head, Unit for animal welfare, European Commission), Marika Vitali (EFSA), Mette Herskin (Aarhus University) and Yves Van der Stede (EFSA). Deadline for registration is 22 September 12:00 CEST.
(photo ©Nettverk for dyrs frihet)