Fur Farming in the UK

Abstract

Fur farming became illegal in the UK in 2000. The Fur Farming (Prohibition) Act 2000 (‘the Act’) prohibits the keeping of animals solely or primarily for slaughter for the value of their fur.

Whilst the intention behind the wording was not to exclude otherwise legal practices, it can also be employed to legalise what would otherwise be illegal under the Act.

Recent applications have been submitted to open three intensive rabbit farming facilities in England; where at each, 250 female rabbits will produce upwards of 10,000 rabbits per year. In addition to providing meat, such farming practices also produce rabbit pelts and fur products. 

The conditions in which farmed rabbits are kept will be considered, as well as developments in the law relating to the same.