Photo by We Animals Media
A single fur farm licence application comes amid widespread public support for a ban on fur farming in British Columbia.
Through a freedom of information request, The Fur-Bearers has obtained a heavily redacted fur farm licence application submitted to BC’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food in September 2023. British Columbia banned mink farming in 2021, however, provincial regulations still allow chinchillas, martens, fishers, foxes, and nutrias to be farmed for their fur.
In August 2024, the ministry provided a statement to media that this application for a fur farm licence ultimately did not proceed. This leaves one remaining active fur farm in the province, but the species of animals farmed under this licence was not disclosed by the ministry. (Note: The Fur-Bearers has reached out for more information about this licence and will update this page if we receive a response).
This fur farm licence application comes amid a new survey showing overwhelming support for ending fur farming in the province. A July 2024 public opinion survey commissioned by The Fur-Bearers and conducted by independent polling firm, Research Co., found that 80% of British Columbians support a ban on fur farming in the province. (Detailed breakdown: 61% strongly support; 19% moderately support; 8% moderately oppose; 2% strongly oppose; 10% not sure).
There are serious animal welfare concerns for wildlife farmed for their fur, with most of the species listed in BC’s regulations not having any established standards of care. Given fur farming’s widespread public opposition, public health risks, animal welfare issues, and economic irrelevance, there is no longer a place for fur farming in British Columbia. The province needs to continue on its progress made and move fur farming into the past, by committing to an end of fur farming for all species.
TAKE ACTION!
Make your voice heard by sending a message to the government of British Columbia. Use the form below to send a message to BC’s Minister of Agriculture (Pam Alexis, AF.Minister@gov.bc.ca), the Premier of British Columbia (David Eby, premier@gov.bc.ca), and your MLA.
