The future of fur farming in Europe looks bleak. At the turn of the year, Croatia joined the list of European countries that have banned fur farming. The rules for fur farming were also tightened in Germany in 2006.

The statute given in Croatia bans breeding animals for fur in the entire country. Croatia is one of the biggest producers of chinchillas in the world, and the industry is financially significant to the country. In addition to chinchillas, fur farms in Croatia produce rabbits meant primarily for European and Russian markets.

According to Animalia, the Federation for the Protection of Animals, the latest survey says that as much as 73.3 per cent of Croatians are against fur farming.

The regulations in Croatia and Germany are by no means unique. In Europe, breeding animals for fur has been banned in the UK, Austria and Switzerland. Breeding foxes in cages has been banned in Sweden and the Netherlands.

Finland is also a significant producer of fur. According to Animalia, Finnish fur farmers need to prepare for a gradual reduction of fur production. One of the most important issues for Animalia is the re-employment of fur farmers. Animalia also states that young people should not be encouraged to start a career in the fur industry.