The movement in Spain is steering away from animal farming tied to fur production. A recent survey funded by the NGO Tu Abrigo Su Vida (TASV) shows strong public support for ending fur farming, with a clear majority calling for farm closures and bans on breeding animals primarily for their pelts.
Conducted at the end of 2021, the survey reveals that 87% of Spaniards view the breeding and slaughter of minks for fur as morally unacceptable, while 76% support prohibiting fur-focused farming. The public shows particular concern about minks, along with exceptions such as rex hycat rabbits, chinchillas, Nile crocodiles, and other fur-bearing species raised for fashion, indicating a broad shift in attitudes toward fur production.
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the Spanish fur industry. In 2020, about 73% of 2,700 European fur farms reportedly closed amid concerns that the sector could amplify virus transmission. While several European countries have advanced bans on fur farming, Spain has not yet enacted similar restrictions (source: TASV survey, 2021). SARS-CoV-2 infections in fur-bearing animals, notably the American mink, underscore the need for stringent biosecurity to prevent the emergence of new viral strains that could threaten livestock, humans, and public health.
Spain has not been immune to the several COVID-19 outbreaks within fur facilities. In some cases, such as the outbreak in Puebla de Valverde (Teruel), proceedings led to the slaughter of thousands of minks and government compensation to the operator, illustrating the economic and social stakes involved in the issue (regional government records, official accounts).
health safety risk
Fur farms are dispersed across Spain, including regions such as Galicia, Aragon, the Basque Country, Castilla y León, and Valencia. The annual production is substantial, with WWF figures indicating hundreds of thousands of pelts produced yearly. This landscape raises ongoing concerns about animal welfare and the associated health risks in crowded farming environments.
Images of caged American minks, commonly used in the industry, underscore the ethical and welfare debates surrounding fur production in Europe. The health risks linked to close confinement include stress, disease spread, and compromised welfare, prompting environmental and animal advocacy groups to call for reform.
The intersection of animal welfare concerns with scientific findings about the inability of fur farming systems to meet the basic needs of fur-bearing species has driven policy discussions. Several EU member states, including France and Italy, have implemented bans or strict limits on fur farming as part of broader animal welfare agendas.
Within the broader European context, there is broad social agreement in favor of phasing out fur farming. Yet even with public support and some parliamentary momentum, Spain has faced a slower move toward prohibitions, highlighting the gap between public opinion and legislative action.
At a recent European Council gathering focused on agriculture and fisheries, multiple member states expressed a call to harmonize efforts toward ending fur farming across the bloc. The European Commission has signaled a commitment to reviewing animal welfare regulations under the Farm to Fork strategy and to exploring labeling schemes for products that meet defined welfare criteria. These actions aim to align policy with current scientific understanding and consumer expectations.
Related initiatives from organizations such as the Franz Weber Foundation and TASV advocate for stronger animal-protection measures and the reform of national laws to match 2030 Agenda objectives. Public petitions have gathered significant support as part of these efforts, reflecting a broader push for reform that resonates with many Canadians and Americans who follow international animal welfare debates.
Threat to native species
Ecologists for Action emphasize several reasons to support the fur-farming petition, including biodiversity protection and the risks posed by escaped or released non-native animals. Such introductions threaten local ecosystems and place additional burdens on wildlife, requiring extensive habitat space and increasing disease exposure and welfare concerns for the animals involved.
Drone and aerial imagery of fur farms highlight the scale of industrial operations. While precise numbers on annual animal slaughter for fur are hard to verify, estimates often place the figure in the tens of millions globally, with a large share raised on fur farms in Europe. The sector has also seen growth in other regions, including North America and Asia, underscoring the worldwide reach of fur production.
According to animal welfare advocates, producing fur coats can involve high animal numbers in restricted environments. Estimates suggest ranges such as 150–300 chinchillas, 200–250 squirrels, 50–60 minks, or 15–40 foxes per coat, depending on species. The confinement remains a core welfare concern, as many animals cannot engage in natural activities like running or swimming; for semi-aquatic species like minks, this deprivation is particularly distressing because water access is often denied in cages with limited space and enrichment.
Ultimately, the debate over fur farming intertwines ethics, public health, biodiversity, and economic considerations. The shift in public sentiment across Europe signals a potential redefinition of fashion supply chains and animal welfare standards that could influence markets beyond Spain, including ongoing discussions in Canada and the United States about cruelty-free fashion and sustainable farming practices.