Mink in the fur industry that have been infected with COVID-19, and a ban on the keeping of animals for fur production
5.5.2020
Question for written answer E-002727/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Anja Hazekamp (GUE/NGL)
In the Netherlands, it has recently been established that mink on various fur farms have been infected with COVID-19 [1] .
Restricted access zones have been created around these farms. Article 61 of the animal health legislation stipulates that farms which are affected may only obtain permission for restocking once enough time has passed to prevent the farms or other locations from becoming reinfected with the disease that has caused the outbreak.
If it is decided to kill the animals, can the Commission confirm that the mink farms concerned should not be restocked until a final solution to the COVID-19 pandemic has been found?
In the Netherlands, all fur farming will be prohibited from 2024. Public opinion in relation to fur farming in Europe is negative [2] , and now in addition the fur industry seems to be creating extra risks to the health of human beings and animals.
Does the Commission agree that, in view of the above facts, it would be desirable to introduce a definitive total European ban on the keeping of animals for their fur, and can the Commission give an undertaking that the fur industry will be excluded from EU support measures in connection with the coronavirus pandemic?