Norway has officially ended fur animal farming by closing its last farms ahead of schedule. The decision capped years of pressure from animal welfare advocates and public support: more than 35,000 people signed a petition for a ban, and polls showed steady support from a majority of citizens.
At one time, as many as 300 mink and fox farms operated in the country, but the animals were kept in conditions that caused suffering. The government allocated about $50 million in compensation and business conversion support. Despite lawsuits from some farmers, the support program helped many move into alternative areas, from agriculture to tourism and green energy.
Norway joins a number of European countries — including the United Kingdom, Austria, the Netherlands and Belgium — that have already banned fur farms. At the European Union level, a similar initiative is gaining increasing support: more than 1.5 million citizens have signed the related petition.
