June 2020 – In wake of COVID-19 outbreaks on European fur farms, BC SPCA warns the Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Health of the risk to B.C. and need for a pandemic plan.
December 2020 – First COVID-19 outbreak occurs on a B.C. fur farm.
December 2020 – The Fur-Bearers, HSI/Canada, BC SPCA, and infectious disease experts call on B.C. government to end fur farming. 19,155 concerned British Columbians join the BC SPCA in calling for a moratorium on mink farming in British Columbia.
December 2020 – COVID-19 outbreak occurs on a second B.C. fur farm, at least 200 mink dead.
January 2021 – 1000 mink culled on B.C. fur farm after outbreak.
January 2021 – David Suzuki and other scientists call for an end to fur farming in B.C.
March 2021 – Breeding resumes in B.C. despite previous COVID outbreaks.
April 2021 – Union of BC Indian Chiefs calls for a moratorium on fur farming in the province.
April 2021 – Infectious disease experts and B.C. doctors appeal to the Ministry of Health about spillover risks.
May 2021 – Third outbreak of COVID-19 on a mink farm in B.C.
July 2021 – Animal advocates learn more about the fur industry in B.C. during webinar.
July 2021 – BC SPCA and Union of BC Indian Chiefs press the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries and Premier for an update.
July 2021 – Fourth outbreak of COVID-19 on a mink farm in B.C., found via testing of escaped mink. The Public Health Officer places a moratorium on new mink farms (PDF) and the province announces a review of its policies and regulations with respect to fur farms.
August 2021 – Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Farmed Mink extends deadline to move to larger cages.
September 2021 – The BC SPCA formally requests budget allocation from the provincial government to provide a dignified transition for fur farmers and workers to other sectors, leading to a ban on fur farming in B.C.
October 2021 – A group of 29 British Columbian infectious disease specialists send an open letter (PDF) to B.C. Premier John Horgan calling for an end to fur farming.
October 2021 – New provincial petition to ban fur farming in B.C. Sign now!
October 2021 – The Union of BC Indian Chiefs formally endorse a resolution that calls for phasing out of fur farming in B.C. (PDF)
November 2021 – Success! The province announces a phase-out of the mink industry.
February 2022 – New federal bill to end all fur farming in Canada introduced – currently no government action.
April 2023 – As per provincial phase-out plan, no live mink must remain on farms.
2025 – As per provincial phase-out plan, all operations must cease completely, with all remaining fur sold.
