Europe’s largest fur producer, Poland, has made a monumental decision to ban fur farming. This ban, signed into effect today by President Karol Nawrocki, marks a significant shift in the global fur farming landscape.
The decision was made after the lower house of parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of the ban, with MPs from all parties joining together in a rare show of unison. This is a major victory for animal rights activists, as Poland is currently the second largest fur producer in the world, behind China.
President Nawrocki stated, “Moments ago, I signed the Animal Protection Act, which introduces a ban on fur farming in Poland. This is a decision that Poles have awaited for many years. A decision that reflects our compassion, our civilizational maturity, and our respect for all living creatures.”
The ban, co-drafted by the Polish branch of animal protection charity Open Cages and MP Małgorzata Tracz, includes a number of key provisions. These include an immediate ban on establishing new fur farms, an 8-year transition period for existing operations, degressive compensation for breeders over the first 5 years, and 12 months’ severance pay and career transition support for farm workers.
Connor Jackson, CEO of the UK animal protection charity Open Cages, and director of an award-winning documentary on Polish fur farming, expressed his elation at the news. “Fur farming is the epitome of everything wrong with how we treat animals, so I’m absolutely delighted by Poland’s decision to ban it. The idea of keeping millions of foxes and minks in tiny wire cages all their lives until they go mad, all for a bit of fur on a coat that no one needs, beggars belief. But I’ve seen it with my own eyes.”
Unfortunately, the ban on fur farming in Poland does not extend to the import of fur into the UK. Open Cages is calling for a ban on the import of fur into the UK, stating, “We did the right thing by banning fur farming within our own shores in 2000, but as long as we import and sell fur in our stores, we are still supporting this industry.”
Fur farming is a cruel practice, with animals being kept in small cages for their entire lives. They often suffer from severe psychological stress and physical injury, and are slaughtered in inhumane ways. The UK was a leader in banning fur farming in 2000, and since then, 23 other countries have followed suit.
Despite the UK’s ban on fur farming, it remains legal to import and sell fur from countries like Poland. A coalition of UK animal advocacy organizations, called Fur Free Britain, is calling for an import and sales ban. In October, a petition with over one and a half million signatures was delivered to the Prime Minister, urging for a ban on fur imports.
Claire Bass, senior director of public affairs at Humane World for Animals UK, emphasized the need for a ban on fur imports, stating, “The fur trade is cruel to animals, dangerous to public health and totally unnecessary. This move by Poland should be a wake-up call for Westminster. The Labour Government promised a huge boost to animal welfare and backing Ruth Jones’ Private Members’ bill is a crucial way to start delivering on that.”
Open Cages is a UK animal protection organization that has been campaigning to end fur farming globally for over 20 years. They have sister branches in six countries and have been instrumental in bringing attention to the cruel practices of fur farming through investigations and lobbying efforts.
For more information, please contact:
Connor Jackson
CEO, Open Cages
+447504580011
connor.jackson@opencages.org
opencages.org
Photos from the October 17, 2025 parliamentary vote can be found on Open Cages’ website, along with a link to the legislation and photos from their 2012 investigation.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.