More and more countries ban fur production. The reasons are both ethics and damage to the environment. After the Sejm vote on “Animal Fridays”, Poland has a chance to join the group of European states that bet on animal rights.
According to FurEurope data, there are 713 farms in Poland, which makes it one of the fur tycoons. Only Finland (960 breedings) and the undisputed leader – Denmark were placed higher in the ranking. Leather from over 1,518 factories in this country has a total value of around 600 million euros. This is in great contrast to the consent of the society. In a 2019 YouGov survey, only 16 percent of Danes found this type of business activity acceptable.
The tycoons give up the production of fur
– We hope that the Danish government will soon recognize that mink coats have no future. Neither in terms of fashion nor ethics, says DW Johanna Fuoss, an expert at PETA, an organization that defends animal rights.
In recent years, breeding has been banned by countries such as Slovenia, Czech Republic or Luxembourg. Decisions were made two or three years in advance to allow enterprises to gradually withdraw from production.
The process started in 2000 Great Britain. Currently, there is an ongoing discussion about the ban on the sale of natural fur. Even Queen Elizabeth II, who already wears only artificial fur, took a position on this matter.
Poland is not the only tycoon in this field where production may end. In 2012, and ultimately in 2024, the ban was introduced by the Netherlands, then the second largest producer of mink fur in the European Union. Two years ago, it also withdrew from production Norway – once a leading manufacturer of fox fur.
Raising awareness of the society is one of the key challenges.
– Natural fur is not allowed by fashion giants such as Gucci, Versace or Prada. Breeding prohibition, incl. foxes should be a matter of time not only in Denmark but all over Europe. I hope that the decision made in the Polish parliament will become an inspiration for Denmark – says DW Joh Vinding, director of Anima, a Danish organization working for animal protection.
There were also activities in Europe that practically wiped out breeding activities. IN Germany running such farms is not illegal, but the last one was closed in April 2019. A number of restrictions introduced led to the fact that business became unprofitable for entrepreneurs.
The requirements include adequate space in the cages – much larger than what is considered the norm in mass industry. Animal welfare was also taken into account, an example of which is the obligation to provide mink pools.
– The confrontation of German society with films showing atrocities on farms caused that a large part of it rejected fur. Innovative technologies in the fashion industry have also meant that it is no longer necessary to obtain natural fur to obtain their classic look, adds Johanna Fuoss.
Diseases and cannibalism
The reality in farms is considered brutal for fur animals. They spend their lives in cramped cages and are then killed by gassing or electrocution. According to reports from animal protection organizations, cramped conditions lead to eye infections and joint disease. Permanent stress among mink it also evokes cases of cannibalism.
The closing of the farms meant that many owners had to move their businesses to other countries. The breeding of entrepreneurs from Western European countries continued their activities, among others in Poland.
Soon other countries of Eastern Europe – such as Lithuania and Bulgaria – may join it. The governments of both countries also allow the possibility of banning fur farms.
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