Legislative Movements Against Fur Farming in Europe and the U.S.

On October 20, 2023, the Polish Parliament, known as the Sejm, passed a significant bill banning fur farming, with 339 members voting in favor, 78 against, and 19 abstaining. The legislation, spearheaded by Malgorzata Tracz of the centrist Civic Coalition, mandates that fur breeders cease operations by December 31, 2033. Breeders will be eligible for government compensation, which will decrease over time, starting at 25% of their average annual revenue from 2020-2024 if they close by January 1, 2027, and dropping to 5% if they close by January 1, 2031. After this date, no compensation will be available. The bill now awaits approval from the Senate and the President.

Parliament passes bill banning fur farming in PolandEU fur farming has been unprofitable for years and costs EU citizens €446 million a year, new report findsTwo-thirds of Massachusetts voters back fur ban ahead of Beacon Hill hearing

In the United States, Massachusetts lawmakers are preparing to address S.551 and H.990, bills aimed at ending the sale of fur products sourced from animals raised in factory farms. The Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources is set to hold a hearing on October 21, 2023. The proposed legislation has garnered support from various animal welfare organizations, including Humane World for Animals and the MSPCA-Angell. A recent survey indicated that 66% of Massachusetts residents favor such a ban, reflecting a strong public sentiment against animal cruelty in the fur industry. Senator Cindy Creem emphasized that the legislation aligns with the values of the majority of constituents, while Rep. Jack Patrick Lewis highlighted the moral imperative to prevent animal suffering for fashion.

Two-thirds of Massachusetts voters back fur ban ahead of Beacon Hill hearingEU fur farming has been unprofitable for years and costs EU citizens €446 million a year, new report finds

A report presented to the European Parliament has revealed that fur farming in the EU is financially unviable, costing citizens approximately €446 million annually. The report, authored by environmental economist Griffin Carpenter, indicates that the industry has suffered a dramatic decline, with pelt prices falling by 92% over the last decade. The economic burden includes not only the loss of gross value added (GVA) but also significant environmental and public health costs associated with fur farming practices. The European Food Safety Authority has stated that animal suffering is unavoidable in fur farms, reinforcing calls for an EU-wide ban on fur farming and trade.

EU fur farming has been unprofitable for years and costs EU citizens €446 million a year, new report findsTwo-thirds of Massachusetts voters back fur ban ahead of Beacon Hill hearing

Critics of the fur industry, including various animal welfare advocates, argue that the suffering of animals in fur farms is inherent to the industry. Dr. Joanna Swabe, senior director of public affairs at Humane World for Animals Europe, stated that the damage caused by fur farming far outweighs any societal benefits. Additionally, MEP Kristian Vigenin called for decisive action from the European Commission to legislate against the cruelty and ecological damage associated with fur farming.

EU fur farming has been unprofitable for years and costs EU citizens €446 million a year, new report findsTwo-thirds of Massachusetts voters back fur ban ahead of Beacon Hill hearing

The Polish fur farming ban will proceed to the Senate and then to the President for final approval. In Massachusetts, the upcoming hearing on fur sales legislation will determine the future of fur product sales in the state. Meanwhile, the European Commission is expected to respond to the calls for a ban by March 2026, following the recent report highlighting the industry's financial decline and ethical concerns.

EU fur farming has been unprofitable for years and costs EU citizens €446 million a year, new report finds

• “This legislation will help better align our laws with the values shared by the majority of our constituents.” — Senator Cindy Creem (D–Newton)

Two-thirds of Massachusetts voters back fur ban ahead of Beacon Hill hearing

• “That kind of suffering is inherent to the fur industry. Massachusetts voters don’t want any part of it. This legislation gives our state the chance to uphold voters’ values and end the sale of products that are inseparable from extreme and unnecessary animal cruelty.” — Preyel Patel, Massachusetts state director for Humane World for Animals

Two-thirds of Massachusetts voters back fur ban ahead of Beacon Hill hearing

• “The fur sector’s apparent profits mask staggering hidden costs - on public health, biodiversity, animal welfare, and the climate.” — MEP Kristian Vigenin (S&D)

EU fur farming has been unprofitable for years and costs EU citizens €446 million a year, new report finds

• “Moreover, the damage caused by fur farming, from environmental degradation and public health risk, not to mention the suffering and death of millions of sentient animals each year, far outweighs any benefit it could ever have to our society.” — Dr. Joanna Swabe, Humane World for Animals Europe

EU fur farming has been unprofitable for years and costs EU citizens €446 million a year, new report finds