“Mass breeding of wild animals for frivolous fur fashion represents a risk to both animals and people that can’t be justified …”

Italy has announced that it is permanently banning fur farming throughout the country.

This week, the Italian Senate Budget Committee approved an amendment that will ban fur farming and close the country’s 10 remaining fur farms within six months.

Member of Parliament the Hon. Michela Vittoria Brambilla endorsed the conversion proposal, and Sen. Loredana De Petris formally submitted the amendment.

The decision still requires final approval by Italy’s parliament, which is most likely expected by the end of this month.

If cleared, Italy will become the 16th European country to ban fur farming, following similar decisions made by Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, The Netherlands and Norway, among others.

According to Humane Society International/Europe, the massive decision came after its  Mink breeding in Italy: Mapping and future perspectives report discussed the future of captive mink in Italy and presented ways to close and convert fur farms into humane and sustainable businesses.

As part of the plan, Italy is expected to ban breeding of mink, foxes, raccoon dogs and chinchillas. Moreover, all active farms will be shuttered by 30 June 2022.

 Affected farmers will receive funds for a total of three million euros in compensation for the lost business while in flux.

The fur industry in light of the pandemic has also become extremely vulnerable. So far, coronavirus outbreaks have been confirmed on approximately 465 mink farms across 12 countries. Moreover, reports indicate that fur farms can carry the same ‘risk of disease’ as live-animal markets posing considerable danger to animal and human health.

‘Historic victory’

“This is a historic victory for animal protection in Italy,” HSI Italy director Martina Pluda said in a statement.

 “The vote recognizes that allowing the mass breeding of wild animals for frivolous fur fashion represents a risk to both animals and people that can’t be justified by the limited economic benefits it offers to a small minority of people involved in this cruel industry.”

Fashion goes fur-free

While the Italian government has taken its first step towards phasing out fur farms, a slew of Italian designers and fashion houses including Prada, Versace, Valentino, Gucci, Giorgio Armani and Furla have already ditched the cruel fabric.

The list of fur-free brands and retailers on the international scene has also grown to new heights this year.

Recently, French luxury brand Chloé announced its ban on fur, as well as exotic skins and angora.

Just this month, ELLE magazine, and all its 45 editions around the world, committed to end promoting fur in its pages and online.

Canada Goose, Oscar de la Renta, Tory Burch, Moose Knuckles, Mackage and Rudsak have also rolled out fur-free policies.

Additionally, retailers—including Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, MyTheresa, Holt Renfrew and Walmart— have also added their names to  the fur-free roster this year.

• Read: Top fashion houses found ‘profiting from pythons and lizards’ misery’ despite ethical claims

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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