On March 6, 2002, Scotland joined England and Wales in passing
the Fur Farm Prohibition Bill, which makes it illegal to raise
mink or other animals primarily or solely for their fur. The
law was overwhelmingly passed by the Scottish Parliament, 77 to
8.
Although there are no fur farms in Scotland, the ban was
considered necessary to prevent fur farmers from England and
Wales from relocating to Scotland once the English and Welsh
bans take effect in 2003. While most fur farms in England and
Wales are closing, others are seeking to relocate to other
countries.
This action followed a 200-page report recently released by
the European Commission revealing serious animal welfare
problems on fur farms throughout Europe.
Fur farming is cruel and unnecessary. Confined in small wire
cages where natural activities are denied them, mink and other
fur-bearing animals often suffer from widespread disease and
unnatural behaviors such as self-mutilation, cannibalism, and
incessant pacing—behaviors induced by the combination of
boredom, frustration, and deprivation. The way these animals
are killed is horrifying; anal electrocution, gassing, and
neck-breaking are some of the most common methods.
