Nearly three million animals are bred annually in Canada to be used in that country's massive fur trade. But, there are no federal laws nor regulatory bodies empowered to hold the industry accountable to a single set of standards for the care of fur-bearing animals.
An investigation by Last Chance for Animals (LCA) at Millbank Fur Farm in Ontario, Canada, which was conducted over the course of a year, revealed horrific conditions for farmed mink. Appallingly, there are few laws or regulations that govern fur farming to protect animals throughout Canada. In many provinces, there are only voluntary standards, with little to no penalty for those that fail to meet them.
The footage captured in LCA’s investigation revealed numerous incidents of animal suffering and neglect among the 40,000 mink that live, and die, at Millbank Fur Farm annually. In addition to clear incidents of animal suffering, the evidence collected in the investigation shows animals with open, untreated wounds and infections, and documents a lack of adequate and sanitary mink shelters, and food. During the course of the investigation, LCA’s investigator never saw a veterinarian on site.
LCA submitted a complaint to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (OSPCA) which led to Millbank being charged with 14 counts of animal cruelty on May 11, 2018.
Ontario’s limited regulations for animal welfare in fur farming are so weak that the vast majority of problems documented in LCA’s investigation were insufficient to warrant charges. In some provinces, enforceable standards don’t exist at all.
As a result, we are urging the Government of Canada to create universal standards for animals on fur farm and urge it to strengthen our laws to include the following standards:
Proper veterinary attention provided within a reasonable time frame.
Fur farms accessible for unannounced inspections by SPCA inspectors.
A humane method of euthanasia that meets the SPCA codes with professionally trained staff.
Cages need to allow for group housing and provide room for the animals to move freely, have access to a smooth, flat surface and provide a nesting area that is accessible at all times.
SPCA Officers given authority to charge fur farmers with failure to meet universal standards.
We urge the Government of Canada to establish universal standards for the farming of fur-bearing animals.
Note: LCA is an abolitionist organization and only promotes measures to regulate or reform industries only when those changes will alleviate suffering and make progress towards eliminating animal exploitation.
