The Romanian Parliament has voted overwhelmingly to ban chinchilla and mink farms, the only fur farms in the country. This decision comes after nearly two years of political debates and sustained campaigns by HSI/Europe’s office in Romania, alongside other animal protection organizations.
Romania thus becomes the 22nd country in Europe to ban the farming of animals for fur, marking a significant milestone in Humane Society International’s global campaign to end the cruel practice of breeding and killing animals for fashion.
Andreea Roseti, Romania Country Director for Humane Society International/Europe, stated: “Today’s vote to ban fur farms in Romania is not only an incredibly important decision for animal protection but also a clear affirmation of our country’s growing commitment to animal welfare. By banning these fur farms, Romania is taking a significant step toward a compassionate society, where animals are no longer seen as mere accessories for fashion. Together, we can protect these vulnerable beings.
We want to thank the Romanian people who signed the petition, as their voices had a real impact throughout this process. Your involvement will stop the suffering of thousands of animals. We hope this victory in Romania brings us closer to a complete ban on fur farms across the entire European Union.”
The bill was proposed after Humane Society International/Europe conducted an investigation that revealed the horrific conditions in Romania’s fur farms. Footage showed chinchillas being kept in small, filthy wire cages, only to be killed for their fur at just a few months old, either in makeshift gas chambers or by having their necks broken. Following the investigation, the Romanian Senate voted in favor of the bill in December 2022, with further debates in the Chamber of Deputies throughout 2023 and 2024. The bill received favorable opinions from specialized committees before securing today’s decisive vote. Once signed into law, the fur farm ban will take effect on January 1, 2027.
According to a national survey carried out by the Humane Society International / Europe at the national level, over 67% of Romanians support the banning of fur farms, which further highlights the public’s opposition to this industry. Also, the HSI/Europe campaign in Romania collected over 74,000 signatures for the petition calling for a ban on fur farms, and the signatures were submitted to the Parliament.
Romania’s fur industry is in decline, with the number of fur farms falling from over 150 in 2013 to around 9 in 2023. Romania’s ban also addresses environmental and public health hazards related to fur farms, including the spread of zoonotic diseases. Thus, Romania aligns itself with a broad European movement that emphasizes animal welfare and sustainable practices.