15% believe fur animals farmed in Europe are skinned alive

15% BELIEVE FUR ANIMALS FARMED IN EUROPE ARE SKINNED ALIVE

Myths and prejudices about the European fur industry thrive. A disturbing 15% of the Europeans believe that fur animals farmed in Europe often or always are skinned alive. The misperception is most outspoken in Spain where 24% of the population think that fur animals may be alive while they are being skinned. Living in a large mink producing country the Danes seem to be better informed. Yet 7% of the Danish population believe European fur animals are skinned alive. The figures are derived from at survey conducted by independent market research company Ipsos in the UK, Poland, Framnce, Spain, Denmark, and the Netherlands in 2013. The survey was commissioned by the European Fur Breeders' Association and the International Fur Trade Federation.

"The public opinion in Europe has certainly been influenced by animal rigths organizations spreading misleading information about the sector. These figures  calls for us to strengthen the level of information about fur farming in Europe, and we are already expanding Open Farm schemes in Europe. Nothing works better when convincing people than to have them see the animals' conditions with own eyes," says Francoise Hossay, CEO at the European Fur Breeders' Association.

The Ipsos survey also states that 51% of the Europeans gain their information about fur and fur farming from animal rights organizations. 

European fur animals are either gassed or elctrocuted in accordance with European or national regulations. In order to achieve the best possible pelting result the dead bodies are cooled down 24 hours prior to the pelting process.