Finnish advocacy group Oikeutta Elaimille, or Justice for Animals, and Humane Society International have released images taken from an “undercover investigation” at three fur farms in western Finland in late October to highlight the behind-the-scenes realities of the trade
GENEVA (AP) — A red fox claws frantically at the wires of its small cage. Nearby, an Arctic fox, its tail bloodied and raw, paces in slow, lethargic circles. Other animals, some with teary eyes, sit motionless under the glare of an activist’s video camera. These scenes, captured on video, are part of a growing debate over the ethics of fur farming in Europe.
Finnish advocacy group Oikeutta Eläimille (“Justice for Animals”) and Humane Society International recently released images from an “undercover investigation” conducted at three fur farms in western Finland. The footage, taken in late October, seeks to expose the realities of the fur trade and its impact on the animals.
The investigation comes at a pivotal moment as the European Union (EU) awaits a March 2026 decision on whether to propose a complete ban on fur farming. The decision will be influenced by advice from the EU’s animal welfare agency, expected in March next year. Finland, a key player in the global fur trade, is under heightened scrutiny, as it remains one of the few European countries where fur farming is still legal.
FIFUR, a Finnish fur breeders’ association, has pushed back against the activists, accusing them of “breaching strict biosecurity requirements” during their covert filming. FIFUR claims the industry adheres to rigorous national regulations and that veterinarians closely monitor animal welfare. Spokesman Olli-Pekka Nissinen dismissed the activists’ footage, saying it “creates a false image” of the conditions on the farms, which are legal and highly regulated.
Nissinen emphasized the economic stakes for fur farmers, arguing, “Animal welfare directly reflects in the quality of the fur, which is critical for farmers’ livelihoods.” He also noted that nearly all of FIFUR’s 442 member farms are family-run operations, predominantly located in Finland’s Ostrobothnia region.
While the footage did not capture explicit abuse, activists highlight the distress caused by the animals’ confinement in small cages. One Arctic fox, seen with what appeared to be an open wound and exposed bone on its tail, drew particular concern. Critics argue that such scenes underscore the inherent cruelty of keeping animals in such environments.
For Kristo Muurimaa, spokesperson for Oikeutta Eläimille, the investigation shines a light on what he calls an outdated and inhumane industry. “Fur has been used since the Stone Age,” he said, “but the practice of keeping animals in tiny, barren cages is a modern invention. This kind of treatment doesn’t belong in today’s society. It’s time to move on from this cruelty.” He added that fur is now predominantly a status symbol for the wealthy, particularly in markets like China and Russia.
FIFUR defended the fur industry’s welfare standards, asserting that Finland remains a global leader in certified fox pelts. However, activists argue that no regulation can fully address the suffering caused by captivity. Humane Society International estimates that tens of millions of animals worldwide endure harsh conditions in the fur trade, with the “vast majority” kept in “barren battery cages.”
Beyond Finland, the issue of fur farming is gaining traction across Europe. Neighboring Switzerland recently concluded a public consultation on a proposal to ban the import and sale of fur linked to animal mistreatment. Activists in Switzerland are advocating for broader definitions of mistreatment to encompass more farming practices, though any final decision will likely take years and may face a public referendum.
In the broader EU, fur farming continues to decline. Poland and Greece remain leading producers, primarily of mink pelts, while Finland ranks third. Global trends also show a decreasing demand for fur, with supply volumes dropping significantly in recent years due to factors like bird flu, COVID-19 outbreaks, and shifting public attitudes.
China remains the largest export market for fur, followed by South Korea and a combined Western Europe-North America market. While industry advocates, such as FIFUR, continue to defend the trade, activists hope growing awareness will lead to its eventual demise.
As debates over ethics and economics intensify, the future of fur farming in Europe — and globally — hangs in the balance.