Target: Manol Genov, Minister of Environment and Water, Bulgaria
Goal: Enforce the fur-farming ban with aggressive inspections and impose maximum legal penalties on anyone who restarts illegal mink breeding after a 129,000-animal operation was shuttered.
A high court has upheld a nationwide prohibition on breeding and importing American mink, closing the door on the last mink-fur enterprise that had capacity for nearly 129,000 animals. This decisive ruling, as reported, followed an appeal by the former operator and effectively confirms that the industry is no longer lawful. Now, meaningful punishment and vigilant enforcement are essential to ensure no one revives the trade in the shadows.
The cruelty underlying mink-fur production—breeding sensitive, semi-aquatic animals solely for their pelts and confining them in cramped cages—has long sparked public outrage. Even with the ban upheld, animals remain vulnerable if would-be violators attempt to reopen facilities, move animals covertly, or exploit loopholes. Without swift consequences for any violations, the suffering that advocates decry could return.
To prevent backsliding, authorities should proactively inspect former sites, publicize an anonymous tip line, rapidly seize animals from any suspected illegal facilities, and pursue the strongest sanctions allowed by law. The Ministry of Environment and Water can coordinate with enforcement agencies to ensure alleged offenders face fines, forfeiture, business-license revocations, and criminal referrals where applicable. Sign below to urge that approach under the leadership of Minister Manol Genov, who currently heads the ministry responsible for the ban’s order and enforcement.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Genov,
The Supreme Administrative Court has affirmed Bulgaria’s prohibition on mink-fur farming, a decision that closed the country’s last known mink operation, which had capacity for nearly 129,000 animals. This is a milestone for animal protection, but it will only hold if illegal operators are prevented from reviving the practice and are held fully accountable when they attempt to do so.
We respectfully urge your ministry to pair this legal victory with robust, visible enforcement. Please direct proactive inspections of former fur-farm sites, create and publicize a dedicated tip line, and coordinate rapid responses with partner agencies to seize animals and shut down any illegal breeding operations. Where evidence supports it, pursue maximum administrative penalties and criminal referrals so that anyone who violates the ban faces serious consequences.
By enforcing the law with zero tolerance, your office can deter future violations, protect vulnerable animals from cruel confinement, and demonstrate that Bulgaria’s commitment to ending fur-farm suffering is more than words—it is backed by action.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Oikeutta eläimille
