Landmark Victory In Romania After Fur Farming Ban Is Approved By Parliament

In a landmark decision this week, the Romanian Parliament voted overwhelmingly to ban fur farming, effectively ending the operations of chinchilla and mink farms—the only two fur industries remaining in the country. The announcement follows nearly two years of political debate and relentless campaigning by various animal rights organizations.

With this decision, Romania joins the ranks as the 22nd country in Europe and the 16th EU Member State to impose a ban on fur farming, marking a significant victory.

“Today’s decision to ban fur farming is not only a landmark moment for animal protection in Romania, but also a critical step in the broader European effort to end one of the cruelest forms of exploitation of animals. As public concern for animal welfare grows across Europe, it is clear that fur farming has no place in a compassionate and ethical society. The only way to move forward is by adopting an EU-wide ban on the production of fur,” said Ruud Tombrock, executive director of Humane Society International (HSI)/ Europe.

The push for the ban was catalyzed by a harrowing undercover investigation conducted by HSI/Europe which revealed the appalling conditions on fur farms across Romania. Chinchillas were found crammed into small, filthy cages, only to face brutal deaths in makeshift gas chambers or through neck-breaking methods at just a few months old.

Now that the bill has passed the Chamber of Deputies, it awaits promulgation by President Klaus Iohannis and publication in the Official Journal to become effective on January 1, 2027. This final step is expected to be completed without delay.

A recent nationwide survey commissioned by HSI/Europe indicates that over 67% of Romanians support a ban on fur farming, underscoring a significant shift in public sentiment against the fur industry. Additionally, over 1.5 million citizens have signed the Fur Free Europe European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) demanding an end to this outdated and cruel practice across Europe.

“The ECI Fur Free Europe is one of the most successful democratic participations we have ever seen within the framework of the European Union. The public as well as leading global voices of economy, NGOs, and scientists have sent an overwhelming message that fur farms do not belong in a modern fashion industry and modern society. It is now for the European Commission to listen and set out a clear legislative proposal that will finally ban fur farming and make the placement of farmed fur products in the European market history,” said Josef Pfabigan, CEO of FOUR PAWS.

The fur industry in Romania has been in decline, with the number of fur farms plummeting from more than 150 in 2013 to around a dozen in 2022. This includes two large mink farms that produced approximately 100,000 mink pelts and 15,000 chinchilla pelts annually. The ban not only addresses ethical concerns but also targets the environmental and public health risks associated with fur farming, including the spread of zoonotic diseases.

Romania’s decisive move reinforces a growing European movement that emphasizes animal welfare and sustainable practices, setting a precedent for compassion and responsibility in the treatment of animals.