The Truth Behind the Arctic Fox Fur Trade

The animal in this image is an Arctic fox suffering from a surplus of human-produced problems. Besides the poor environment of the tiny, wired cages, these animals are in agony from tremendously worse conditions that have received little publicity. In Finland, fur farmers intentionally breed these foxes to have extremely thick skin in order to make a larger profit on their fur. 

In natural settings, Arctic foxes have a weight of around six to eight pounds, but these caged “monster foxes” weigh over 44 pounds. Their legs cannot support this weight and as a result, they develop deformities and have difficulty moving. The rolls of skin accumulate throughout their body and face to the point where their eyes are covered and have no visibility.

Typical foxes raised for fur are slaughtered by breaking their necks or severing their heads after one year of life. However, for unlawful breeding purposes like this, the foxes suffer for two or three more years until they are killed. Farmers, in over 900 fur farms in Finland, decimate Arctic foxes through methods such as electrocution “by inserting electric prods into their mouths and backsides” as it is cheap and does not damage fur quality. Their skins are then categorized by thickness and sold in auction houses under the Saga Furs name to renowned clothing brands such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Michael Kors.

Although the Animal Welfare Act of 1966, states that animals in facilities like these must be provided basic means of welfare, this regulation has clearly not been upkept. To make strides in regaining ethical practices, you can email the Finnish minister for agriculture, Jari Leppä, at [email protected], give businesses criticism for selling real fur, and/or abstain from purchasing fur that is inhumanely collected.

Works Cited:

Alberts, Elizabeth Claire. “People Are Breeding ‘Monster’ Foxes So They Can Sell More Fur.” The Dodo, The Dodo, 24 Aug. 2017, www.thedodo.com/in-the-wild/monster-fox-fur-farms. 

“Jari Leppä   // .” Jari Leppä, www.eduskunta.fi/EN/kansanedustajat/Pages/582.aspx.