Bulgaria’s parliament bans fur farming

Bulgaria’s parliament has banned the keeping, breeding and killing of animals for fur under amendments to the Veterinary Practices Act. 

Individuals face fines of up to €1,500 for a first offence and €6,000 for repeat offences. Sole traders and companies face penalties of up to €10,000. The ban covers farms breeding and killing animals solely for their fur, including mink, foxes, chinchillas and raccoon dogs. It does not apply to hides and skins obtained as by-products of animals raised for food or through lawful hunting.

“This marks the end of a long process. According to Bulgarian statistics, there are no longer any operating fur producers. One important aim is to prevent producers currently based in other European countries from moving to Bulgaria,” said Anton Kutev, an MP from Progressive Bulgaria.

Editor: Diana Tsankova