The animals were destined to spend their entire miserable and tormented lives trapped in horrendous conditions until they were, most likely, electrocuted to make a coat trim or a bobble for a hat
They were weeks from being turned into frivolous fashion, but instead these animals have been given a new lease of life.
The terrified foxes were found trapped in filthy, tiny wire cages on horrific farms in Poland, highlighting the need for Britain to bring in a ban to stop fur imports to end the suffering they endure. The animals were destined to spend their entire miserable and tormented lives trapped in these horrendous conditions until they were, most likely, electrocuted to make a trim for a coat or a bobble for a hat.
Each day, they paced incessantly in their cages and gnawed at the bars – signs of psychological distress – until they were saved by courageous animal rights group Four Paws. They will now live out their lives in a lush 1,000m sq enclosure at the Tierart Wild Animal Sanctuary, south-west Germany.
READ MORE: Vegetarian care home resident ‘served meat and lived on dry cheese sandwiches’READ MORE: Mexican tourist hotspot under siege as armed drug gangs shoot and burn in the streets
Deputy site manager Eva Lindenschmidt said: “These animals would have been killed within a few weeks if they had not been rescued. But now it is so touching to see them have a second chance at life. They have immediately dug dens and buried their food – traits in their DNA – despite not being given the start in life they deserved.”
Ensure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Harvest
Arctic fox Ronja, whose species has the densest and most insulating fur of all mammals, making it extremely desired by the fashion industry, nearly did not make it to the German sanctuary after the rescue mission had to be cut short. Concerned she would have already been killed as the fur harvest had already begun, investigators paid a second visit. They found Ronja and freed her.
Although she is adapting well to her new life, Ronja’s time in captivity has left her with a host of health problems that are rare for foxes in the wild. Eva explained: “She has heart problems and suffers from arteriosclerosis, as well as problems with various joints, her spine and her hips. An ultrasound revealed gallstones, changes in both kidneys, a reduced spleen and fatty liver.
“In addition, some of her teeth are missing, and the root canals of most of the remaining teeth are exposed because they are severely worn down. This is due to constant biting and rubbing against the bars of the farm.” She has also lost an eye, due to either injury or infection.
She now shares an enclosure with a young male Arctic fox called Wukk, who moved to the sanctuary after being rescued from the pet trade in Austria. The pair have formed a bond and are often seen playing together.
Eva added: “Although she has quickly gained trust in the people around her, Ronja is a very sad example for the suffering of animals on fur farms.”
Silver fox Tomek, whose species’ pelt is also sought after by the industry, was rescued from a nearby farm in Poland. He joined black fox Skadi and white fox Mala, likewise saved from a life of misery.
Eva added: “Once in their enclosure, they experienced for the first time what natural ground feels like under their paws and how much fun it is to dig in the earth. They love to discover something exciting every day, whether it’s a cardboard box or dog toys, balls. They are very playful and enjoy life to the full, despite health setbacks.”
At the end of last year, Poland became the world’s second largest fur farming nation after China to end the vile practice, saving around three million animals annually. Despite fur farming being banned in the UK since 2003, we still import from places such as North America, China and Finland. A bill to ban fur imports and sales, introduced by Labour MP Ruth Jones, is awaiting its second reading in the Commons next month.
Ms Jones said: “I am delighted to see these beautiful animals finally escape the appalling cruelty of the fur trade. Sadly, millions of other animals are not so lucky.
“It is time to close the loopholes that allow animals to continue being exploited for the outdated and inherently cruel trade. It is time to finish the job and end our country’s association with fur for good.”
Four Paws’ Sonul Badiani-Hamment added: “We believe stronger action is still needed. To truly protect animals and end their suffering at the hands of the fur trade, the UK must ban the import and sale of fur. Only then can we fully realise a Fur Free Britain and finally consign fur to the history books.”
