London, December 06, 2025
Poland has officially enacted a law banning fur farming, with a full phase-out required by January 2034. The new legislation prohibits the establishment of fur farms immediately and mandates closure of nearly 200 existing operations within the next decade, citing ethical, environmental, and economic concerns.
Poland’s President Nawrocki signed the law that ends the country’s involvement in an industry responsible for the mass confinement and killing of millions of animals annually, including mink, foxes, raccoon dogs, and chinchillas.
The law stipulates that no new fur farms may be established as of now, and existing farms must cease operations by 2034 at the latest. Those that close before the deadline will be eligible for increased government compensation.
Poland has been a key player in the global fur industry, ranking as Europe’s largest fur producer and the world’s second-largest. The country’s exit represents a major shift in regional economic practices and social values related to animal welfare.
The government characterized fur farming as unethical, ecologically damaging, and economically unsustainable in the context of modern society’s evolving standards. This marks a decisive movement away from practices that involve the systematic confinement and killing of approximately three million animals each year.
This legislative action aligns Poland with an expanding list of European nations—now numbering 23—that have outlawed fur farming. The ban is widely regarded by animal welfare organizations as a historic triumph, signaling a continental reevaluation of animal rights and the ethical implications of using animals for fashion and related industries.
Furthermore, this policy shift challenges ongoing methods that designate species such as mink and foxes as merely game or “population regulators,” contesting the continued justification of their exploitation.
Globally, the move coincides with other prominent developments opposing the fur trade. For instance, New York Fashion Week has announced plans to become fur-free starting in 2026, evidencing growing momentum across industries to abandon the use of animal fur.
Poland’s commitment to ending fur farming is therefore both a reflection of national policy changes and a signal of broader, international shifts in how animal welfare and ethical business practices are prioritized. The impact is expected to reverberate through the fur trade, influencing future regulations, market trends, and consumer expectations worldwide.