Historic Breakthrough: Europe's largest producer in Poland is the 24th country in Europe to end fur farming (chinchillas, foxes, racoons, mink)

Europe’s largest producer Poland bans fur farming

President Nawrocki signed the legislation into force today, making Poland the 24th country in Europe to end fur farming. As Europe’s top fur producer with mink, fox, chinchilla and raccoon dog farms housing around 3.4 million animals, this is a significant signal to the EU as it considers a Union-wide ban.

The legislation has made steady progress since 2024, with the parliament previously voting in favour of the motion as MPs from across the political spectrum showed support for a nation-wide ban on the cruel farming practice. 

Investigations into Poland’s fur farms have repeatedly revealed animals confined in cramped and dilapidated individual cages, with poor access to food and water and without any enrichment.  

Co-drafted by Anima International and MP Małgorzata Tracz, the key provisions of the legislation include:

• An immediate ban on establishing new fur farms;
• An 8-year transition period for existing operations;
• Degressive compensation for breeders over the first 5 years;
• 12 months’ severance pay and career transition support for farm workers.

Peaking in size in 2015, the Polish fur industry has been in steady economic decline, now contributing only around 0.01% to GDP.

Public support for the ban has consistently increased over the years, with the most recent study from November 2025 showing that 68.2% of respondents support the ban on fur farming.

This is a breakthrough, historic moment, one that Poles have been waiting decades to see. We are delighted that legislation is finally reflecting public sentiment and that the President along with the majority of MPs have chosen to ban fur farming.

Małgorzata Tracz, Polish MP 

As Poland becomes the 24th country in Europe to implement restrictions or a ban, a very strong opposition to the industry is clear across the Union. 

The European Commission is still to announce their final decision on the Fur Free Europe European Citizens’ Initiative, and there is a clear need to implement a unified approach across the EU in support of the decisions of Member States and citizens.