SOME EUROPEAN COUNTRIES HAVE DECIDED TO BAN FUR FARMING. WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ON THIS?

I totally support the decisions of countries to ban fur farming. I consider fur farming to be a cruel, unethical and unnecessary practice that cannot be justified in any way, not to mention from the animal welfare point of view.

DO YOU FAVOUR EUROPEAN OR NATIONAL REGULATIONS WHEN IT COMES TO ANIMAL WELFARE?

Either we speak about banning fur farming, or we speak about stricter legislation covering the welfare of animals reared for fur, I favour European regulations. Having EU legislation will allow us to better control the slaughtering methods and the breeding conditions for these animals.  Personally, I support and encourage other member states to follow the example of UK, Austria and other countries and put a ban on fur farming.

ARE YOU CONVINCED THAT FUR FARMED ANIMALS ARE SUFFICIENTLY PROVIDED FOR WITH REGARDS TO ANIMAL WELFARE? 

I am sure that the conditions these animals are kept in, as well as the conditions under which they are slaughtered - i.e. electrocution to ensure that animal's fur remain in pristine condition - do not respect the minimum requirements of animal welfare.  Animals are kept in tiny cages that do not allow them to perform natural and species-appropriate behavior and, even more, are exposed to severe weather conditions so that they grow deep and thick fur.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD A LABEL ON FUR PRODUCTS CONTAIN? 

In order for the consumers to be able to make an informed decision, I consider that a label should contain the animal species (scientific and common name), the geographic origin of the fur and a clear description of the method of production. The consumer should know what animal species was raised and killed for that product, in what country, and whether the animal was trapped or kept in a cage.  To this end a traceability system should be put in place in order to be able to identify the specific farm the animal was kept in.

ETHICALLY SPEAKING, WHICH DO YOU CONSIDER  TO BE MOST IMPORTANT:  ANIMAL WELFARE WHILST THE FARM ANIMAL IS ALIVE OR THE ULTIMATE USE OF THE ANIMAL? 

It is important to ensure the highest level of  animal welfare no matter the stage of the production process or the type of farming. I do not think it is ethical to rear and sacri ce animals in horrible conditions and using awful methods for the sake of fashion and luxury goods.

DO YOU THINK THAT FUR FARMING CONTRIBUTES MORE OR LESS TO THE POLLUTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMPARED TO OTHER FORMS OF AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY?

It is clear that fur farming contributes to global warming; fur production has negative consequences for the groundwater, soil and air, being more harmful than the production of other materials in the textile industry. The production of a fur product is more than 10 times more energy-consuming than the production of the same fake fur product. One should not ignore that imposing rules in the EU is not enough, as most of the production process takes place in third countries where environmental rules are not so strict or even ignored.

IS THERE A BALANCE BETWEEN THE POLLUTION CAUSED AND THE ADDED VALUE OF THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION?

There is no added value of fur products in comparison to the detrimental effects the process has on the environment and animal welfare. Fur products serve short term fashion and luxury goods desires that can easily be replaced with faux fur products.

WHAT SHOULD BE THE AMBITION OF THE FUR INDUSTRY?

Given the arguments against the practices used in farms, both to rear and sacrifice animals for fur, I would recommend a thorough reconsideration of the methods and conditions applied to rear these animals and, of course, in the longer run, to look for alternatives to this unethical and cruel kind of business.