Majority of Swedes Oppose Fur Farming

Nearly eight in ten people (78%) living in Sweden oppose the captive breeding of mink for their fur. This finding comes from a survey conducted by Swedish animal rights group Djurens Rätt. It adds to a growing body of evidence showing that people increasingly oppose the breeding and killing of animals for their fur. The paper notes that many countries in Europe have already phased out fur farming, including: Britain; Croatia; Austria; Slovenia; Germany; Switzerland; and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Other countries are thought to be close to following suit.

Perhaps of most interest is the consistency of opposition to mink farming regardless of political following. Respondents supporting eight of the major political parties in Sweden all showed majority opposition to the practice. The lowest level of opposition was among those who identify as Christian Democrats, 60% of whom oppose mink farming. Most against were the 91% of Green Party respondents. Concerns about killing mink for their fur are stronger among women. 87% of female and 69% of male respondents oppose the practice. Opposition to mink farming was also stronger among younger respondents.