Poland has become the 18th country in the EU to ban fur farming: being the second largest fur producer in the world of 3 million mink, foxes, raccoons, chinchillas each year

 

Poland has officially become the 18th country in the European Union to ban fur farming after President Karol Nawrocki signed the legislation into law. The decision marks a monumental breakthrough for animal protection, especially as Poland is Europe’s largest fur-producing nation and the second-largest in the world after China. Every year, around 3 million mink, foxes, raccoon dogs, and chinchillas are raised and killed on fur farms in Poland.

The ban follows strong cross-party political support in the Sejm and Senate and comes just weeks after a devastating report from the European Food Safety Authority. The report concluded that animal suffering is inherent to fur farming and that keeping animals in small, barren, wire cages for their entire lives can never meet basic welfare needs. The findings were requested by the European Commission after a Fur Free Europe petition gathered 1.5 million signatures calling for an EU-wide ban.

“This is a historic moment for animal protection in Poland that will end the suffering and death of millions of animals kept on fur farms. Fur farming is not part of Polish heritage, and most Poles oppose fur cruelty, as evidenced by opinion polls and the more than 76,000 petition signatures we recently submitted to the office of President Nawrocki,” said Iga Głażewska-Bromant, Poland Director at Humane World for Animals Europe, while welcoming the ban.

“Today, we can proudly say that Poland becomes the 18th country in the European Union to introduce a ban on fur farming, and we hope this will be a crucial catalyst for change as the European Commission considers the case for banning fur farming EU-wide,” continued Głażewska-Bromant.

Fur farming is one of the cruelest forms of animal exploitation. Animals confined in wire cages are denied everything natural to them, space to roam, dig, play, or express normal behaviors. Many suffer from open wounds, infections, self-mutilation, and extreme psychological distress. The industry has also been linked to dangerous disease outbreaks, including COVID-19 and avian influenza, resulting in mass killings of farmed mink and foxes across Europe.

Poland’s historic decision puts increasing pressure on the few remaining EU countries that still allow fur farming, including Finland, Denmark, Spain, Hungary, and Greece. More than 6 million animals remain on nearly 1,200 fur farms across the EU, even though 24 Member States now fully or partially restrict the practice.

The new law will take effect 14 days after publication, preventing the establishment of any new fur farms. Poland’s existing 200 farms must close by January 2034, with compensation encouraging many to shut down much earlier. Farmers who apply within the first five years will receive the highest payments, accelerating the decline of the industry.

Polish animal protection groups Otwarte Klatki and Viva! have campaigned for years to end fur farming, and Humane World for Animals Europe has worked alongside them as part of the Fur Free Alliance. Their combined efforts, bolstered by shifting public opinion and a global move away from real fur in fashion, helped drive this landmark victory.

Most leading designers now have fur-free policies, including brands such as Max Mara, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Valentino, Prada, Armani, Versace, Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo, DKNY, Burberry, and Chanel. In total, more than 1,600 fashion brands and retailers worldwide have committed to going fur-free. As real fur becomes increasingly unmarketable and ethically indefensible, more fashion houses are choosing to innovate with sustainable, cruelty-free alternatives.

As the fashion industry continues to move away from real fur, Poland’s ban marks a powerful step toward a cruelty-free future for fashion. We will continue urging the rest of the world to follow suit and #MakeCompassionYourFashion.