Bulgarian Parliament approves first reading of fur farming ban

The Bulgarian National Assembly has approved amendments to the Veterinary Medicine Act at its first reading, proposing a ban on the breeding and raising of animals for the purpose of obtaining valuable furs. The legislative proposal, introduced by Anton Kutev and a group of representatives, targets species such as mink, foxes, chinchillas, and raccoon dogs.

Proponents of the bill argue that the practice constitutes animal cruelty, as animals are often kept in conditions that prevent natural behavior. The ban is also motivated by concerns regarding public health, environmental protection, and the impact of species like the American mink on local biodiversity.

The proposed law will not affect skins obtained as secondary products from animals raised for food, nor those obtained through legal hunting. Violators face significant financial penalties: individuals may be fined between 800 and 1,500 euros, while legal entities and sole traders face fines ranging from 2,500 to 4,500 euros for a first offense, potentially reaching up to 10,000 euros for repeat violations.