Norway Bans Fur Farms

The Norwegian government signed a doctrine this week that will shut down the fur industry in Norway. The government will eliminate the country’s 300 fur farms—where nearly 1 million foxes and minks are raised for their fur—by 2025. The legislation comes after widespread anti-fur protests and campaigns conducted for 28 years by local animal-rights group Norwegian Society for Animal Protection (NOAH). Whereas fur farming remains legal in the United States, Norway has become the 16th European country to impose such a ban and others, including the United Kingdom, are currently considering similar bans. “We are thrilled to see such an unequivocal pledge from the Norwegian government to ban all fur farming,” Ruud Tombrock, executive director of animal-rights organization Humane Society International, said, “and look forward to seeing this important decision receiving the political backing it deserves.” In recent months, luxury fashion brands such as Gucci have removed fur from their collections, a further indication of the declining appeal of animal pelts in fashion. “Consumers are turning their backs on the bloody fur trade,” Tombrock said, “and it is only right that Norway’s politicians enable Norway to join the fast-growing list of compassionate nations refusing to allow cruel fur farming within their borders.”