e-3064 (Animals)

Petition to the Government of Canada

• The plight of millions of mink in Europe has been highlighted in the news around the world due to the mink being culled after the spread of COVID-19 on mink farms between mink and between mink and humans;
• In December 2020, a COVID-19 breakout was confirmed at a mink farm in the Fraser Valley, BC, where eight workers were also infected;
• Scientists confirm there is a real risk of a mutation of the virus occurring by these human to mink, back to human transmissions that could adversely affect the success of future vaccines;
• Mink are intelligent and curious animals native to Canada and are far ranging in movement in their natural setting;
• However, on these farms, mink are kept in small wire, feces-covered cages tightly stacked together, stressed and often sick and injured, for their entire existence which lasts approximately 8-12 months before they are killed for their pelts;
• Several countries, including the United Kingdom, Croatia, Austria, France, Slovakia, Norway and most recently the Netherlands, have already implemented bans on mink farming; and
• According to a Northstar Research Partners poll published in July 2020, 80% of Canadians do not support capturing, breeding, and trading wild animals for either the exotic pet industry or for their fur.