Photo: We Animals
- The Vancouver Humane Society is joining The Fur-Bearers and other organizations across Canada in calling for a national prohibition on fur farming in Canada.
- Fur farming causes significant animal suffering and poses serious risks to public health and the environment for the sake of luxury fashion items.
- More than 20 countries have already banned fur farming or introduced legislation to do so in the coming years.
- A new federal e-petition, launched by The Fur-Bearers, calls on the Canadian government to ban fur farming for all animal species across the country.
TAKE ACTION: Canadian residents can sign the official parliamentary e-petition until January 27, 2025. After you sign, be sure to click the link in the confirmation email so your signature is counted.
Photo: Jo-Anne McArthur / We Animals Media
Inhumane fur farming persists in Canada despite widespread opposition
There are close to 100 fur farms left in Canada. Animal species that are farmed for their fur include mink, fox, wolves, bobcats, lynxes and chinchillas.
Although British Columbia banned mink fur farming in 2021, farming other species for their fur is still allowed in the province. There are currently no prohibitions at the national level.
Polling from 2024 revealed that 78% of Canadians and 81% of British Columbians are against killing animals for their fur.
Animal welfare concerns
On fur farms, animals are kept in small, wire cages for the entirety of their lives, depriving them of the ability to engage in natural behaviors typical in the wild. This can lead to stress, stereotypic behaviors, and self-mutilation.
Warning: The following video contains graphic footage. Viewer discretion is advised.
Public health risks
Animals confined in fur farms have been shown to be hosts for zoonotic diseases. For example, during COVID-19, deadly outbreaks were seen in fur farms globally, including locally in the Fraser Valley. Millions of animals were culled in an attempt to control the spread of the virus.
Environmental degradation
Manure runoff from large industrial fur farms pollutes nearby soil and bodies of water, threatening local animal populations, humans, and ecosystems.
Visit furfarming.ca to learn more about The Fur-Bearers’ campaign to ban fur farming across Canada and the organizations that have signed on in support.