Scientific opinion of the EFSA regarding welfare of (most) fur farmed animals

[Efferus33]

Hey,

I intentionnally avoided creating this topic in the fur den section to avoid annoying those who are here to talk about fashion, life-style, fetishism and etc. I just thought this could be interesting for those of us that what to know more about fur farming and current politics.

So I recently found about this scientific opinion of the EFSA produced at the request of the European Commission following the "Fur Free Europe Initiative"  :

Scientific opinion of the EFSA : https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/9519

Fur free Europe initiative : https://citizens-initiative.europa.eu/fur-free-europe_en

I haven't had the time to read it all yet, but I mainly focused myself on the part that are about "American mink" (they also assess the living conditions of foxes, raccoon dogs and chinchillas). I really liked this scientific opinion because of how objective it is, they aren't here to make things look better or worse than they are. They focused on documenting the current living standards of animals, understand the issue that they bring and also - that's probably the most important part - talked about the possible solutions.

I was happy to see that (at least when it comes to mink), it could be technically (economically I don't know) possible to farm mink while offering them a decent quality of life. However, this would come with great sacrifices as current cage system isn't considered compatible with high standards of living. Efforts would include environment enrichment, access to water, horizontal and vertical space, straw bedding etc. At this point mink coats would cost at least $10'000 but I mean, if that's what necessary to save our beloved fur coats that's still a better future than a future without fur.

So what's next? The European Commission will communicate on the matter in march 2026.

[kev86]

Honestly, I find this is a real joke, we are focused about fur farm from European Union, animals life and more...

We close fur farm in Europe and after what happens, many furrier dead.

I don't imagine a furrier like "Lars Paustian" who work directly with ethical farm... I don't think "Lars Paustian" are directly impacted by this decision !

Personally, I don't have problem with Russian fur farm or China fur farm but the commission will never close them...

Edited October 9 by kev86

[kev86]

Hey,

Yesterday, I talked with Alex who are the owner of "Dilart" and I talked with "Paik Paustian" who are the owner of "Lars Paustian". 

These two labels follow attentively the decision of the European Union commission, honestly.

Paik Paustian is really calmly about March 2026 and the final decision of the European Union commission, if talk me about the idea of closing or studying many others possibilities.

I stay positive about the decision and mental condition of Piak Paustian about the future of fur industry...

The first step is to enjoy the winter season with friend and family.

[Efferus33]

I mean, there are countries like Danemark and Poland that are here to defend their fur economy. They have already taken measure in past like opting out from European regulations classifying mink as an invasive species.

I’m sure there are many steps before such a ban can occur in the EU. Countries like Danemark will have plenty of time to negotiate exceptions. I mean, France produces foie gras to this day so…

Fur is also a cultural heritage and is far less cruel than foie gras.

[kev86]

Yeah, I'm agree with you about the heritage of fur in many countries, I think many ideas exists for avoiding the ban of fur farm and fur sale...

Of  course, don't forget the importance to save many jobs in the fur industry...

I'm positive about the longevity of fur in the future, I'm sure we will continue to enjoy it...