One Million Minks Culled On Dutch Fur Farms Due To COVID-19

Following the closure of a number of mink fur farms in the Netherlands due to the spread of COVID-19, an estimated one million minks have been killed.

A ban on farming mink was passed in the Netherlands in 2013, with the intention of phasing out the cruel practice by 2024. However, the date was brought forwards last month following an alarming number of coronavirus reports.

24 mink fur farms in the country have been confirmed as being infected with COVID-19, with Humane Society International now campaigning for the immediate closure of the farms.

“Reservoirs For Coronaviruses”

“The death toll from the Dutch mink fur farm culls has now reached 1 million mink and the risk from failing to eliminate this virus reservoir is clear,” said Dr Joanna Swabe, senior director of public affairs for Humane Society International/Europe, in an email to Raise Vegan.

“Yet still the Dutch government is not acting decisively by fast-tracking the early closure of this cruel and dangerous industry.”

“In addition to fur factory farming being inherently cruel, the potential for zoonotic disease spread, and for mink fur farms in particular to act as reservoirs for coronaviruses, incubating pathogens transmissible to humans, is an unavoidably compelling reason for the world to call time on fur farming.”   

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Dutch Fur Farms

The government has promised to announce a plan of action by August, with the intention of making changes to the industry before the next mink mating season begins.

A report by the Zoonoses Outbreak Management Team is expected to be released tomorrow, which will aid the government in deciding how to move forwards.

Do you think enough is being done to combat COVID-19 while also protecting animals in the Netherlands? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!