Dear Editor: Up to 40 countries and the state of California have banned mink farming or fur sales, reflecting a global shift toward humane synthetic alternatives. Despite this trend, Wisconsin still houses approximately 50% of U.S. mink farms.
In nature, mink are active, semi-aquatic animals. On farms, however, they are confined to cramped wire cages that often cause physical injury and “zoochosis” — a state of severe psychological distress leading to self-mutilation. These animals are typically killed between 4 and 7 months of age. Transparency is also an issue: If a fur-trimmed garment costs less than $50, manufacturers are not required to disclose the animal source.
Beyond welfare concerns, mink farming poses a public health risk. Experts like Dr. Jim Keen warn that mink can transmit COVID to humans. To mitigate the risk of future pandemics and avian flu, the bipartisan Minks Are Superspreaders Act (HR 6513) has been introduced. This bill seeks to prohibit mink farming while providing compensation to farmers…