Italy is the latest country to soon be added to the list of countries that have banned fur farming. The Italian Senate’s Budget Committee voted on the amendment following the Humane Society International/Europe (HSI Europe) strategy to close fur farms, including ten remaining mink fur farms, and open, sustainable businesses within six months.
“This is an historic victory for animal protection in Italy, and HSI/Europe is immensely proud that our fur farm conversion strategy has played a central role in dismantling this cruel and dangerous industry in our country,” Martina Pluda the Director of HSI Italy said in a statement. “There are very clear economic, environmental, public health, and, of course, animal welfare reasons to close and ban fur farms.”
Italy banning the breeding of mink, foxes, raccoon dogs and chinchillas has been a long time coming; as a fashion capital, the country sets a precedent of what in and out—and fur is indeed, fuori moda. Over the past couple of years, there’s no secret fashion has had a falling out with fur, and rightfully so. Although its the countries first stance on fur farming, many heritage Italian brands like Valentino, Gucci, Prada, and Versace have already put out public statements that they will no longer include fur in their collections. At the same time, retailers including Saks and Neiman Marcus have dropped anything fur buying for their stores.
The vote still has to have final approval from the Italian parliament, which is set to happen in the coming weeks, and pass, making Italy the 16th European country to ban fur farming. Ciao!
