The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has issued scientific advice on the welfare of five animal species that are farmed for their fur: American mink, Red fox, Arctic fox, Raccoon dog and Chinchilla. Their report identifies the most relevant welfare consequences for each species and explores whether these could be prevented or substantially mitigated in the current husbandry systems.
Background
The European Commission (EC) asked EFSA for independent advice on the welfare of animals raised for fur in the EU with a specific focus on five species: American mink, red and Arctic foxes, raccoon dog and chinchilla. This request followed an EC commitment to respond to the European Citizens' Initiative (ECI) ’Fur Free Europe‘, which calls for a ban on fur farming and the sale of fur products in the EU.
In responding to the request, EFSA:
- produced a report describing the biology of the species as well as the husbandry systems and farming practices used to keep fur animals;
- identified the most relevant welfare consequences (WCs) for each species, considering estimated severity, duration and frequency during the various life stages;
- explored ways to prevent or significantly reduce these WCs within the current system, focusing on the dimensions and features of the cages used in fur production.
Data sources
The data EFSA used in its report were derived from: peer-reviewed scientific literature published up to early 2025; four public calls for evidence; technical hearings with experts and interested groups; and field visits.
Main findings
For all five species, the most relevant WCs relate to the size and barren conditions of the cages used in current fur production. These restrict the animals’ movement and prevent them from foraging and exploring. They can also lead to sensory understimulation or overstimulation (e.g. if there is no nest box or shelter for the animal to hide or isolate when necessary).
Most of these negative WCs cannot be significantly reduced in the current fur production system because the limited size of cages also prevents adding stimulating features. Examples include stimuli to elicit foraging and exploration, a nest box or place to hide, or the provision of open water, depending on the species.
WCs that can be significantly reduced or prevented within the current fur production system include those associated with inadequate feed and nutrition. These can be reduced for all five species by changing how their food is provided, offering chewable items, such as bones for foxes or hay for chinchillas, and ensuring that feed is healthy and balanced.
Species-specific concerns
American mink kept in groups of more than two animals may sustain injuries from fighting. This can be reduced by housing young mink in different-sex pairs until late autumn, then housing them alone. Additionally, this WC can be improved by providing more space and adding stimulating features (objects or stimuli to elicit exploration and foraging behaviour, access to open water, etc.) to their cages.
Arctic foxes, red foxes and raccoon dogs often experience leg and paw problems, which may be significantly reduced through selective breeding, weight management, increasing space and offering a choice of different flooring types.
Red foxes can suffer from group stress when being kept close to their cage neighbours. It is unknown whether providing a nest box or retreat is enough to markedly reduce this WC.
Raccoon dogs likely experience sensory overstimulation in the current system. Solutions to reduce this include providing them with nest boxes throughout the year, regularly cleaning up manure, as well as careful and limited handling.
Chinchillas need to clean their fur and become stressed when they feel threatened, such as when a human is nearby. This can be minimised by allowing them to sand bath daily and providing a shelter for hiding.
Limitations and uncertainties
Little or no information on alternative enclosures was available because none are currently in use for fur production. In addition, there is limited knowledge about raccoon dogs and chinchillas in general. This lack of information limited EFSA’s ability to suggest improvements in animal welfare regarding new and different farming systems.
Key conclusions
Across the species studied, limited improvements in animal welfare can be achieved in the current system. To significantly reduce WCs, the current cage system needs to be changed to enclosures that offer more space and stimulating environments. This would significantly improve the welfare of these species, facilitating the animals’ ability to meet their needs, such as moving around, foraging and exploring. Further knowledge is needed to quantify the impact of the proposed measures to considerably improve the welfare.