Following coronavirus infections linked to 41 Dutch mink fur farms, the government has announced that all mink fur farms must close by 2021, per an email from Humane Society International (HSI). Two farm workers are believed to have contracted the virus from mink on the farm, according to HSI.

Source: Al Jazeera English/ Youtube

Fur farms have made headlines for months after 41 fur farms reported coronavirus outbreaks. An estimated 2 million mink have been killed to prevent infections. Previously, the deadline for closing fur farms was 2024, but the Dutch government has bumped up the date due to the concerns linked to the coronavirus. The Netherlands farmed approximately 4.5 million mink in 2018.

Dr. Joanna Swabe, senior director of public affairs for Humane Society International/Europe, said in an emailed statement, “This signals the end of suffering for millions of animals confined to small wire cages on fur farms in the Netherlands. We commend the government on its decision to end this incredibly cruel and completely unnecessary industry and protect citizens. With 41 fur farms and an estimated 2 million mink now having been infected, the risk of keeping these virus reservoirs operating, is far too great. Over the past weeks, the Dutch government has failed to act as infection numbers rose. Without this early termination of fur farming, up to 13.5 million more animals would be forced to suffer short and miserable lives solely to supply the fickle fashion industry. It is a sick industry both literally and figuratively. There has never been a more compelling time for the Netherlands to shut down this industry for good”.

Read more about mink and fur farms during coronavirus, including the coronavirus spread through Dutch farms, a million mink killed by Dutch fur farms during coronavirus, and the Dutch government’s previous statement on mink and the coronavirus. 

Sign this petition to ban fur farming in the European Union!

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