LITHUANIA BANS FUR FARMING

Lithuanian parliament passed legislation banning fur farms beginning in 2027. Sixty-eight MPs voted in favor of the proposed revisions to the Law on Animal Welfare and Protection, 25 against, and 15 abstained. Among other things, the law prohibits fur animal farms. Their owners will be reimbursed, however, the amount of compensation has been criticized by the business sector.

"We have reached the level of maturity not to continue with activities that cause pain," Ieva Pakarklyt of the ruling coalition's liberal Freedom Party said before the vote, noting that Russia and China had the highest demand for fur. The ban will come into force in 2027 after a transitional period from 2024 to 2026 when fur farmers will be able to close their farms and receive compensation. They will be paid 3 euros per animal in the first year, 2 euros per animal in the second year, and one euro in the final year.

The government will also reimburse agricultural workers for redundancy payments and cover costs associated with building demolition, equipment destruction, and trash disposal. Farms that have already closed will not be eligible for compensation since payments will only be provided to farmers who will be in business at the time the bill is passed. Lithuania is the 20th European country to outlaw this form of business. President Gitanas Nausda has yet to sign the bill.

Huge thanks to our Lithuanian friends from Tušti narvai for their relentless campaigning over the years!