Written by Sharon Vega / One Green Planet
Minks are the most common animals to be farmed for fur. Unfortunately, they are subjected to terrifying lives of misery. They are semiaquatic mammals of the Mustelidae family, which includes otters, ferrets, and weasels. They’re confined to tiny, barren wire cages on fur farm and aren’t able to swim or enjoy their natural habitats which leads to neurotic behaviors such as pacing. After a life of confinement, they are gassed to death and skinned all for fur in the name of ‘fashion.’
Fortunately, people are realizing that such cruelty cannot go on. There is no need to exploit animals for their fur, hair, or skin. The Czech Republic banned fur farms, Los Angeles banned fur, and big fashion houses like Coach and Chanel have also gone fur free! Other places that have put fur bans into place include San Francisco, India, Sao Paolo, and more. Now, Ireland is joining the list!
Agriculture Minister Michael Creed of Ireland recently announced that they will end the farming of 150,000 mink each year on their three remaining fur farms! Humane Society International is urging Ireland not to implement a lengthy phase-out period which would only mean that more minks would continue suffering.
Minister Creed said the reason for this decision is that “there has been a shift in societal expectations in relation to the sector” as well as recent veterinary evidence suggesting “that the farming of mink is counter to good animal welfare.
We’re excited that Ireland is putting an end to this horribly, cruel practice. We hope there is no drawn out phasing process and that other countries follow their lead!
To learn more about the fur industry, read Here are the Innocent Faces of the Cruel Fur Industry and Why Animals Deserve to Keep Their Fur (and Skin).
