Clear call from MEPs in plenary: Fur Free Europe now
A large number of MEPs from across the political spectrum called on the European Commission (EC) to respect European citizens' demands from the Fur Free Europe European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) and end this unnecessary, unethical and obsolete practice.
An official reply to the ECI is expected from the EC by the end of the year.
More than 1.5 million EU Citizens have asked for a ban on fur farms and on the placement of farmed fur products on the EU market, in one of the most successful ECIs on animal welfare. 20 Member States have already totally or partially banned fur farming on grounds of animal welfare and public health.
23 MEPs directly called for the ban on fur farms, stressing the immense suffering to animals: 37 million animals are killed in Europe each year for the sole purpose of fur production, which they called ‘unnecessary’.
An overwhelming majority of MEPs stressed that the EC simply cannot ignore the democratic call of the citizens, arguing that the time to end this practice is now and that the EU cannot remain silent and continue to ignore the cruelty of fur farms.
Numerous MEPs also brought up the severe threat that fur farms pose to public health, making reference to recent Covid-19 and avian influenza outbreaks, while they highlighted the serious consequences that fur farming has on biodiversity.
Fur farming is unethical, a useless impractical practice that causes lifelong suffering in small cages. We hope the EC brings up a ban on production and imports. Tomorrow should be better than today.
Sirpa Pietikainen, MEP (EPP)
If it matters to Europeans, it matters to Europe. But what does this mean if the EC does not honour its own pledge, and act on the call of millions of Europeans. We need to ban the import of fur to prevent suffering elsewhere. How can we in Europe remain silent? Animals don’t deserve this. Citizens don’t want this. Will the Commission finally take the lead and show that it takes citizens’ initiatives seriously?
Anja Hazekamp, MEP (The Left)
We can no longer ignore the cruelty of the fur farming sector and the risks for public health. The pollution is immense, while it poses a risk to ecosystems. We say yes to a future with a fur free world.
Leszek Miller, MEP (S&D)
60 minks to be slaughtered for a single coat... 200 chinchillas… This is perverse and despicable that so many animals have to be killed for the sake of fashion.
Maria Noichl, MEP (S&D)
The time has come to end the infliction of suffering on these animals. This type of rearing of animals is in direct contradiction to animal welfare. It is unethical, unsafe and unsustainable.
Laura Ferrara, MEP (non-attached)
We cannot allow this to continue anymore. Breeding animals for their fur is unacceptable. What is the added value? How does this contribute to the wellbeing of society? This practice belongs in the past. We have to end this madness in which animals are being treated as objects.
Isabel Carvalhais, MEP (S&D)
