Problems of welfare for species bred for fur production are revealed

A report from the EFSA has analyzed the welfare situation of American mink, red fox, Arctic fox, raccoon dog, and chinchilla bred for fur production.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published a scientific opinion addressing the welfare of five species raised for fur production: the American mink, the red fox and the Arctic fox, the raccoon dog, and the chinchilla. Currently, the welfare of animals intended for fur production in the EU is regulated by the Animal Welfare Directive 98/58/EC. There is no specific EU legislation on the breeding of fur animals, except for the 1999 Council of Europe Recommendation (non-binding) concerning fur animals. According to the report, for the five species, the most relevant behavioral problems are related to the size and the deplorable conditions of the cages used in current fur production. "These restrict the movement of the animals and prevent them from foraging and exploring. They can also lead to sensory under-stimulation or over-stimulation (for example, if there is no nest or shelter where the animal can hide or isolate itself when necessary)," they assure. In this regard, ...