Slovakia bans fur production from 2025
Fur farms are sinister places where millions of foxes, minks, and chinchillas still live and die in fear. For them, life in captivity is agony, and they are literally driven mad in their small cages.
On 19 October, the Slovak National Council voted to ban fur production. Slovakia will become the 15th country to end fur production! The historic legislative change was passed with an overwhelming majority of 107 out of 150 votes. The law will come into force in 2021. The phase-out period for existing operations runs until 2025.
Tsunami of public outrage
The Slovak National Council approved the fur farming ban after a campaign of just seven months by the Slovak Fur-Free Alliance organisation Humánny Pokrok. The published investigation material revealed the appalling conditions at a mink farm in northern Slovakia, triggering a tsunami of public outrage. As a result, more than 76’000 people signed a petition calling for a ban on fur farming in Slovakia. In response, MP Eva Antošová (Slovak National Party) introduced a law banning fur farming.
Currently, there is one mink farm in Slovakia with a capacity of 5’000 minks and eight rabbit farms. The new law no longer permits the opening of new fur farms after 2021.
«It is a great victory for animals and a sign that Slovak society is making progress and that tens of thousands of people are ready to stand up for animals and their protection. Slovakia has taken a great step forward today, and we hope that this is the beginning of a new, better future for animals in our country.»
Martin Smrek, President of Humánny Pokrok
Horrific conditions documented at mink farm
The campaign to ban fur farming was launched in March with the publication of investigative footage revealing the horrific conditions of minks on a fur farm in northern Slovakia. The footage shows animals cramped in small, filthy cages with open, untreated wounds, displaying signs of cannibalism and stereotypic behaviour. The public responded with outrage, generating more than 76’000 petition signatures. The campaign became the second-largest online petition in Slovak history, with more than 1.4% of the population lending their support.In the final week before the elections during the spring presidential campaign, responses were received from both presidential candidates, including the support of current Slovak President Zuzana Čaputová, who will now sign the ban to complete the legislative process.
Surveys showed that 68% of the Slovak population considers fur farming unacceptable.
«It is a good sign to make animal welfare a political issue in Slovakia, and we hope to be able to address other issues of animal cruelty as well.»
Frederika Fratričová, activist at Humánny Pokrok
Other countries currently considering legislation to end fur farming include Ireland and Bulgaria.
