The Bulgarian Parliament bans the breeding and killing of animals exclusively for fur, with fines of up to 10,000 euros

Bulgaria’s Parliament has banned the keeping, breeding and killing of animals exclusively for fur production through amendments to the Veterinary Activities Act. The measure targets farms specializing in obtaining fur from mink, foxes, chinchillas and raccoon dogs, and aims to prevent producers from other European countries from relocating to Bulgaria.

Individuals who violate the ban may be fined up to €1,500 for a first offense and up to €6,000 for subsequent violations. For self-employed individuals and companies, fines can reach €10,000.

The new restrictions do not apply to hides and fur obtained as by-products from animals raised for food, nor to those originating from legal hunting activities.

Anton Kutev, a lawmaker from the Progressive Bulgaria party, said that adopting the amendments concludes a lengthy legislative process. According to Bulgarian statistics cited by him, there are currently no active fur producers in the country. The ban is intended, however, to prevent new farms from emerging through the transfer of businesses from other European countries to Bulgaria.