About the fur farm investigation of 2009

23.08.2009: The second year running, independent inspections have uncovered shocking conditions on Norwegian fur farms. The organisation Nettverk for Dyrs Frihet (Network for Animal Freedom) has uncovered extensive animal suffering on nearly 50 fur farms, this just two months after the Norwegian minister of agriculture and food said fur breeding animals were treated well.

Nettverk for Dyrs Frihet demand that the politicians take responsibilty and shut down the Norwegian fur farms.

New inspections, same animal abuse

During the summer of 2009 activists from Nettverk for Dyrs Frihet decided to do a new inspection tour of Norwegian fur farms, this is the second year running. Both years investigations uncover the same shocking conditions for the animals. Every single one of the farms have been reported to the police for breach of the animal protection law and are currently under investigation.

- Yet again we have uncovered that suffering from bites, killing of puppies and untreated wounds are prevalent on norwegian fur farms. Our documentation also how show serious mental disorders on the farm animals, such as apathy, stereotypical movements are the standard in the industry, not the exception. What we have seen is shocking and totally unacceptable. We encourage everyone to do whatever they can contribute to make sure we get a ban on furfarming, says Fham Sjøholm of Nettverk for dyrs frihet

Close down the fur farms
Our inspections at the fur farms have been carried out unannounced and the we have photo, video and inspection reports from each of the nearly 50 farms.

- Our investigations completely overturns the myth that mink and fox in farms have good conditions as long as the regulations are followed. There was no connection between the animal suffering we saw, and whether the regulations at the specific farms were followed. The suffering was the same everywhere. The government and the fur industry claims that regulations ensure the wellbeing of the animals, our investigation shows this is a false promise used to fool the population into believing our animals are treated well, says Per Arne Tøllefsen of Nettverk for dyrs frihet.

Norwegian authorities without credibility

During 2008 Nettverk for dyrs frihet uncovered shocking conditions at more then 100 Norwegian fur farms. Images of animals in bare mesh-wire cages, missing bodyparts and untreated wounds gave the population an insight into the everyday life of fur animals. In the spring of 2009 the Norwegian food safety authority inspected 73% of the 331 Norwegian fur farms. The Norwegian food safety authority presented their findings in June 2009. Despite harsh critique of the conditions of the farms, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Lars Peder Brekk said he was happy about the results of the inspections.

- Lars Peder Brekk is blatantly lying. It is a disgrace that the Norwegian government continues to allow fur farming in Norway. Nettverk for dyrs frihet demands an immediate ban on this horrific industry, says Erling Sem of Nettverk for dyrs frihet.

For more information contact Nettverk for dyrs frihet
Per Arne Tøllefsen: 45 80 61 73  |  Fham Sjøholm: 45 80 89 27  |  Erling Sem: 45 80 88 27  |  Email: presse@dyrsfrihet.no