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At Humane World for Animals, we work to end the use of animals in fashion by campaigning against fur and other forms of cruelty in the clothing industry. We advocate for policies that ban fur farming and fur sales, pressure retailers to drop real fur, and educate the public about animal-friendly fashion choices. 

Our goal is clear: a truly fur-free future where clothing and accessories no longer rely on the suffering of animals.

Cruel statistics

Whether confined in fur factory farms or trapped in the wild using archaic metal traps, animals suffer greatly for the fur trade. Fur production is outdated and completely unnecessary. Many warm, fashionable, animal-friendly alternatives are readily available. 

10s of millions
of animals

each year are killed for fur worldwide

1,600+
brands, designers and retailers

around the world have pledged to go fur-free

23
countries

have banned fur farming

Take a look inside the issue

Most people don’t know how much an animal suffered for the fur trim on a jacket or pompom on a hat. Many also don’t know where the trim really comes from, or what life is like on a fur farm. 

Red fox on fur farm

Jo-Anne McArthur/SPCA

Facts about the fur trade

Millions of animals suffer and are killed around the world each year for frivolous fur fashion. Get the facts about this terrible industry.

Raccoon dog in dark fur farm in asia

Fur cruelty

There is nothing humane about trapping an animal in the wild or confining a wild animal in a small wire cage for its entire life, depriving it of the ability to run, dig or swim, only to be killed for fashion. 

Two mink in a wire cage on fur farm

Jo-Anne McArthur/SPCA Montreal

Fur farming

No fur production is humane. There is nothing humane about trapping a wild animal in an archaic trap or raising a wild animal in a small wire cage for their entire life, depriving them of the the ability to run, dig or swim, only to be brutally killed for frivolous fashion.

A man holds a dead raccoon

BornFreeUSA/HSI/The HSUS

Fur trapping

In the wild, animals are caught in archaic metal traps, suffering for hours or even days, unable to escape or seek shelter or water, before being beaten or suffocated. This terrible cruelty is for frivolous fur trim on jackets, hats and gloves. 

Foxes in cages at a fur farm

Sally Ivens/HSI

Disease and environment

Not only is the fur trade cruel to animals, but it also has a huge carbon footprint and scientists have called it out as being a serious threat to public health. Fur factory farms and tanneries pump toxic waste and chemicals such as chromium and formaldehyde into our soil and waterways, devastating local ecosystems. 

Our work around the world

Campaigns

Take action

The fur trade is now in serious decline, but many millions of animals still continue to suffer each year. Help us put pressure on policymakers and fashion brands to end the fur trade for good.

Petitions
End cruel fur farming in Iceland

Fur farming causes suffering to animals, damages the environment and is a risk to public health.

Stop fur farming in Europe

The evidence is clear, the moral case undeniable and EU citizens overwhelmingly demand change.

Sign your name to tell companies to say no to cruel fashion

Millions of foxes, mink, raccoon dogs and chinchillas spend their entire lives trapped in tiny wire cages before being killed and skinned for so-called fashion.

End cruel and deadly fur farming worldwide

Farming cause immense animal suffering and appalling conditions make fur farms a breeding ground for pandemic disease spread from animals to humans.

Ban fur farming across Canada

Hundreds of thousands of animals—mostly mink and foxes—are living in misery on factory fur farms in Canada. Join our call for an end to this cruelty.

Small afraid fox kit looks out of cage on fur farm

Kristo Muurimaa/Oikeutta Elaimille

Living cruelty-free

Fur-free fashion matters

Fur fashion comes at a devastating cost to animals. Every year, tens of millions of animals, including mink, foxes, raccoon dogs, and more, are killed for their fur. These animals are kept in filthy, cramped cages and subjected to cruel killing methods, or caught in brutal metal traps unable to seek shelter or food before being drowned or crushed to death, all in the name of profit and fashion. But fashion doesn’t have to be cruel. Fur-free fashion is compassionate, innovative, and increasingly in demand. Designers, consumers, and major brands around the world are rejecting fur—and together, we can help make fur a thing of the past.

Frequently asked questions

"Fur-free" signifies that a company or retailer has pledged not to sell or manufacture or promote items containing animal fur. This commitment reflects a growing awareness of the cruelty inherent in the fur industry. Animals raised for fur endure inhumane conditions on fur farms, confined to small cages and subjected to cruel killing methods. Animals caught in brutal metal traps in the wild suffer greatly too. By choosing fur-free products, consumers support businesses prioritizing ethical practices and help reduce demand for fur. Humane World For Animals applauds companies embracing fur-free policies and encourages others to join the movement.

The fur trade has a devastating impact on animals. Whether trapped in the wild or caged their entire lives on fur farms, animals endure immense suffering. Trapping results in prolonged pain and injuries before a brutal death. On fur farms, animals are confined to small, unsanitary cages, deprived of the ability to engage in natural behaviors. They are killed using inhumane methods such as gassing or electrocution. By supporting fur-free companies, you can help end this cruelty and promote more compassionate choices. Humane World For Animals is dedicated to ending the fur trade and promoting a more humane world for all animals.

Tens of millions of animals are killed for their fur each year worldwide. This includes animals raised on fur farms, such as mink, foxes, raccoon dogs and chinchillas, as well as those trapped in the wild, like coyotes and beavers. The industry has been in decline for many years, but the scale of the fur industry continues to contributes to immense animal suffering. Humane World for Animals is working hard to bring an end to this brutal trade by promoting more ethical choices. By supporting fur-free alternatives, you can help reduce this staggering number and create a more compassionate world for animals.

The concept of "humane" fur is highly misleading. While the fur industry may claim that fur can be obtained humanely, the reality is that the fur trade  inherently involves animal suffering. Even on farms that claim to be certified, animals are still confined in small, wire-bottom cages for their entire lives, unable to act out their most basic natural behaviors and are ultimately brutally killed by gassing or electrocution for their fur. Trapping animals in the wild is also highly problematic, as it results in prolonged suffering including killing by bludgeoning or suffocation.  The archaic metal-jawed traps also capture non-target animals, like threatened species and even people’s pets. Therefore, Humane World For Animals believes the most humane choice is to avoid fur altogether and support fur-free alternatives. We advocate for compassionate fashion choices that do not contribute to animal cruelty.

You can help end fur cruelty in several impactful ways. Firstly, choose fur-free clothing and accessories, opting for alternatives made from ethical and sustainable materials. Secondly, spread awareness by educating your friends and family about the cruelty of the fur industry. Thirdly, support organizations like Humane World For Animals that are actively working to end the fur trade through advocacy and education. Additionally, contact retailers and designers, urging them to adopt fur-free policies. Finally, advocate for legislation that bans fur farming and the import/sale of fur products in your area. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to creating a more compassionate world for animals.

Humane World for Animals is actively working to end the fur trade through a multi-faceted approach. We advocate for fur-free policies by engaging with retailers, designers, and policymakers, encouraging them to commit to eliminating fur from their products and operations. We also educate the public about the cruelty of the fur industry, raising awareness about the suffering endured by animals raised and trapped for their fur. Humane World For Animals supports legislation aimed at banning fur farming and the import and sale of fur products. Additionally, we collaborate with other animal welfare organizations to amplify our impact and create a stronger voice for animals. Through these efforts, we strive to create a fur-free world where animals are treated with compassion and respect.

Fight fur farming

Your lifesaving donation helps us continue our critical work to end cruel fur farming and to protect all animals suffering from cruelty and neglect.

Kristo Muurimaa/Oikeutta eläimille