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According to estimates from Humane Society International, some 2 million foxes are killed every year on fur farms in Europe, with the majority of these located in Finland, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

Source: Oikeutta eläimille

Following an investigation by the Finnish animal welfare association Oikeutta eläimille, shocking photos of Arctic Foxes bred in terrible conditions on one of the country's 900 fur farms were released.

The foxes kept on the property had been selectively bred to increase profits by increasing the amount of fur the produce, leaving them with layers and layers of heavy extra skin, the weight of which makes it extremely difficult for them to walk or even move.

Source: Oikeutta eläimille

Kristo Muurimaa, a spokesperson for Oikeutta eläimille, explained to The Dodo the health problems caused by this excessive amount of fur:

The first problem is the feet. Their feet can’t seem to bear the weight. In nature, an Arctic fox weighs 3 or 4 kilos, and these animals weigh over 20 kilos … and this causes deformities in their legs and causes difficulties in moving. They have all the same health problems that obese people have.

Source: Oikeutta eläimille

In addition to the physical issues caused by selective breeding, these animals suffer psychological damage due to living in tiny cages. Humane Society International describes:

Kept in small, wire cages, animals on fur farms have been found to exhibit stereotypical behaviour (such as pacing along the cage wall, repetitive circling/nodding of the head, etc.) as well as self-mutilation (i.e. sucking or biting of the animal’s tail fur, or other parts of their pelts).

The foxes can be kept on the farm for up to one to four years depending on whether they will be used for breeding or not. Then, when the time comes for the animal to be killed for their fur, inhumane methods that favor retaining the quality of the fur over minimising the suffering of the animal are employed.

The foxes on the farm investigated by Oikeutta eläimille were destined to be sold to Saga Furs, a large brand that supplies major clothing labels such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci and Michael Kors. The largest pelts sold at Saga Furs auctions cost on average $100 dollars each.

Source: Oikeutta eläimille

These methods include gassing and electrocution, which can both be incredibly painful for the animal, however, they leave their fur intact. Luckily, electrocution has been banned in New York and the UK, but there are still plenty more countries yet to change their ways.

To help put an end to this cruel industry you can boycott companies that sell fur and encourage them to use faux fur in future.

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