Deformed for their pelts: oversized foxes suffer on Finnish fur farms

Footage from Finnish fur farms has revealed foxes suffering from extreme skin folds, eye infections, and impaired mobility due to oversized breeding practices, despite a 2017 industry pledge to stop it. The European Food Safety Authority's 2025 opinion stated that most welfare consequences of fur farming cannot be mitigated, highlighting the ethical concerns surrounding the industry. The European Commission is set to make a decision on the future of fur farming in light of this new evidence.

The issue of oversized fox breeding in Finland dates back to 1989, with the recent footage showing animals being deformed for the sake of a few extra centimeters of fur. Calls for a ban on fur farming have intensified, with a government inquiry in Sweden also proposing a national ban on breeding and keeping animals for fur production. The public is urged to support a ban on fur farming in the EU, as highlighted by the Fur Free Europe initiative supported by over 1.5 million citizens.