Mr. Speaker, it is an honour to rise today to present e-petition 6589. This petition was initiated by Lesley Fox from Port Alberni, British Columbia, and was signed by 10,800 Canadians who are deeply concerned about the risks and harms of fur farming.
The petitioners note that fur-farmed animals can carry high-risk zoonotic diseases, including coronaviruses and influenza. Intense breeding in captivity increases the risk of transmission between humans and animals. The petition highlights that British Columbia has already banned mink farming due to public health risk. Infectious disease specialists in Canada have called on the federal government to end fur farming altogether.
The petitioners further raise concerns about the inhumane confinement and suffering of animals such as minks, foxes, chinchillas, lynx, bobcats and wolves, and they point out that over 20 countries have already banned fur farming. Public opinion in Canada overwhelmingly supports a nationwide prohibition.
The petitioners call upon the Government of Canada to finally prohibit the practice of fur farming for all species of animals.