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The fur trade is collapsing. <a data-mce-href="https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/fashion/fur-production-plummeted-lowest-level/" href="https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/fashion/fur-production-plummeted-lowest-level/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Global fur production has crashed by 85% in the last decade</a>, hitting its lowest level since 2010. In 2024 alone, it dropped by 40%, with China, the biggest fur producer, cutting its output by more than half between 2022 and 2023.&nbsp;&nbsp;Just 21 million minks, foxes, and raccoon dogs were exploited for fur in 2023, down from 34.5 million the year before. It’s still millions too many, but the trend is clear - fur is dying.&nbsp;&nbsp; Fashion Walks AwayCountries are shutting down fur farms, and brands are ditching it. Norway, once the top fox fur producer, banned fur farming. The Netherlands, a major mink producer, did the same. More than 1,600 fashion brands have committed to going fur-free, and London Fashion Week banned fur in 2023, later extending the ban to exotic skins.&nbsp;&nbsp;The reason? Public disgust, relentless campaigning, and the industry’s own failings.&nbsp;&nbsp; Covid, Cruelty, and Collapse&nbsp;Fur farms became a global biohazard during the Covid pandemic. Outbreaks ripped through mink farms in Europe and North America, forcing governments to reconsider the risks. Meanwhile, investigations exposed the grim reality: animals pacing in tiny, wire cages, suffering from disease, injuries, and stress-induced psychosis. Fur farms aren’t just outdated, they’re obscene.&nbsp;&nbsp; The UK’s HypocrisyThe UK banned fur farming in 2003, yet still allows fur imports, keeping the trade alive elsewhere. Every fur coat, trim, or accessory sold here funds the same confinement, gassing, and electrocution that was deemed too cruel to continue in Britain.&nbsp;&nbsp;The loophole needs closing. A petition to ban fur imports into the UK is calling on the government to finally align its laws with public ethics. If the UK rejects fur farming, it should reject fur sales too.&nbsp;&nbsp;🔗 Sign the petition here: <a data-mce-href="https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/702043" href="https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/702043" target="_blank" rel="noopener">UK Government Petition – Ban Fur Imports</a> Not Over YetFur is circling the drain, but some brands and celebrities refuse to let go. Louis Vuitton’s creative director, Pharrell Williams, continues to push fur, proving that even in 2025, some still prioritise profit over ethics.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Millions still suffer and die each year for an unnecessary product,” says Brigit Oele of Fur Free Alliance. “Our work will continue until we see the end of this vile industry.”&nbsp;&nbsp;The message is clear: fur has no future. The UK needs to decide which side of history it wants to be on.

Fur Industry in Freefall

Big win for plant-based dogs: Omni, a vegan dog food company, just bagged a £75k investment on Dragons’ Den.&nbsp;&nbsp; The DealOmni’s founders, Dr Guy Sandelowsky and Shiv Sivakumar, pitched their vision to the Dragons, and it paid off. They landed their “dream” investors: Steven Bartlett and Deborah Meaden, who took a 2.5% stake in the company.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meaden, who follows a plant-based diet, called Omni one of the “most successful businesses to come into the Den.” Bartlett, known for his marketing expertise, was all in: “I have to try and invest in this business. I have to.”Both founders are self-proclaimed Dragons’ Den superfans and were “thrilled” to be on the show. “It was surreal to be pitching to the five Dragons, sharing how we’re shaking up the pet food industry,” said Sivakumar. Why Omni?&nbsp;If you’ve ever cracked open a can of standard dog food, you already know it’s a horror show. The pet food industry doesn’t just use factory-farmed animals, it sweeps up the waste of the meat industry, grinds it into mush, and convinces people it’s “essential nutrition.”Meanwhile, dogs are struggling. Dr Sandelowsky didn’t mince words:“Skin issues, gut problems, and obesity are rampant in dogs,” said Dr Sandelowsky. “Yet, most pet food options are bland, unhealthy, and packed with CO2-polluting ingredients. Omni changes that. Our food is nutritionally complete, allergy-friendly, and most importantly, delicious.”&nbsp;&nbsp;Omni’s products use novel proteins from yeasts, algae, and pulses, ingredients that don’t trigger common allergies. And the science backs it: a 2022 study found that dogs fed plant-based diets had fewer health issues than those on meat-based food. Even the British Veterinary Association recently dropped its opposition to vegan diets for dogs.So, what’s stopping this from becoming the norm? The same thing that keeps the meat and dairy industries afloat: marketing and misinformation. People assume dogs need meat because they’ve been told that over and over again. But here’s the truth: what they need is proper nutrition, and that doesn’t require slaughterhouses.Plant-based pet food isn’t a niche fad - it’s the future. With Dragons’ Den backing, Omni is poised to make plant-based dog food the new normal. Originally reported by <a data-mce-href="https://plantbasednews.org/culture/tv-and-radio/vegan-dog-food-brand-dragons-den/" href="https://plantbasednews.org/culture/tv-and-radio/vegan-dog-food-brand-dragons-den/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">PBN</a>.

Vegan Dog Food Brand Omni Secures Investment on Dragons’ Den

Everyone knows land animals are exploited in the food system, but what about the billions of fishes, crabs, and lobsters who never get a second thought? <a data-mce-href="https://faunalytics.org/understanding-perspectives-on-aquatic-animal-welfare-in-europe/" href="https://faunalytics.org/understanding-perspectives-on-aquatic-animal-welfare-in-europe/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A new report</a> looks at how people in the EU view aquatic animals and their so-called “welfare.” Spoiler: They don’t know much. Do People Think Fish Feel Pain?&nbsp;71% of respondents said fishes can feel pain. Good start. But when it comes to intelligence and emotions, people weren’t so sure, only 51% agreed fishes are smart, and just 45% thought they could feel pleasure. Younger women were the most likely to recognise their abilities. People Support "Welfare" - But Keep Eating The Victims&nbsp;&nbsp;91% of respondents said fishes deserve the same level of “welfare” protections as land animals. They also backed policies like stunning fishes before slaughter (70%) and ensuring live crustaceans aren’t mistreated in transport (79%). Support was highest in France and Italy, while Sweden, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic lagged behind.When it came to banning live animal sales, people were more willing to protect fishes (61%) and lobsters (61%) than mussels (48%). The countries most in favour? Germany, Italy, Poland, France, and Greece. The ones least concerned? Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. Fish Farming: People Have No Idea What’s Happening&nbsp;&nbsp;The public wants transparency in how tax money funds fish farming, but they don’t actually know much about the industry. Only 37% realised that farmed fishes are fed wild-caught fishes, fueling even more death. Just 34% were aware that more farmed fishes die during rearing than farmed land animals. France, Poland, and Germany had the highest awareness; Spain, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic had the lowest. People Still Fund The Industry&nbsp;&nbsp;47% of respondents said they eat all kinds of animals, and 39% eat fish at least once a week. Spain, Italy, and France had the highest fish consumption, while the Czech Republic, Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands ate the least. Freshness, quality, and price were top concerns, but 61% claimed that "welfare" influenced their choices.&nbsp;Despite all this, 90% said they would pay extra for “higher welfare” fish products, with nearly 25% willing to pay significantly more - without defining what that means. The "Sustainable" Scam&nbsp;&nbsp;Many respondents assumed “sustainable” labels meant fishes were raised in good conditions, 56% thought it meant they could perform natural behaviours. But consumer knowledge about labelling was poor, and most believed current certification schemes actually enforce strong welfare standards. They don’t.69% of respondents were open to labelling that discloses farming practices, including how the fish was killed. But awareness of what’s already happening is minimal. The Bottom Line&nbsp;&nbsp;People like the idea of treating aquatic animals better, but their lack of awareness about the realities of fish farming, sentience, and misleading labels keeps them complicit. The takeaway? Consumers aren’t driving change - they’re just buying into comforting illusions. Fishes don’t need “higher welfare.” They need freedom.

Fish Are Killed By The Trillions - And Most People Don’t Even Know How

Planet Earth - Sunrise Over Europe - Sun, Space, Clouds, Electricity, Sustainable Resources

The world is heating faster than expected. <a data-mce-href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/04/climate-change-target-of-2c-is-dead-says-renowned-climate-scientist" href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/04/climate-change-target-of-2c-is-dead-says-renowned-climate-scientist" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A top climate scientist just declared the 2°C target “dead,”</a> with extreme weather events already devastating lives. Governments talk about solutions while emissions keep rising. Frustration is understandable - but waiting for politicians to fix the problem isn’t a strategy.&nbsp;&nbsp;The reality? Change starts with what we normalise. And right now, most people still treat using animals as inevitable. That’s a problem, because the way we produce food and clothing is a climate disaster.&nbsp;&nbsp; Food Production is Driving the CrisisAnimal agriculture is a leading cause of deforestation, water pollution, and methane emissions. A large-scale study found that going plant-based significantly reduces environmental damage:&nbsp;&nbsp;- 75% fewer emissions- 75% less land use- 75% less water pollution- 93% lower methane emissionsFood systems matter. And while shifting away from using animals won’t solve everything, it’s one of the most immediate and effective actions individuals can take.&nbsp;&nbsp; Your Choices Shape AccessibilityOne common excuse for inaction is that plant-based options aren’t accessible to everyone. That’s true in some places. But what’s also true is that accessibility improves when demand grows. The more people who make the switch - especially those with the means to do so - the easier and cheaper it becomes for others.&nbsp;&nbsp;This is how change happens. The things that are becoming normal today - electric cars, plant-based milks, reusable bags - were once niche, expensive, or inconvenient. Early adopters create the shift that makes ethical choices easier for everyone.&nbsp;&nbsp; Change Yourself, Then Push for MoreExpecting governments to take bold action while personally funding the industries they should be regulating sends mixed signals. It’s not about blaming individuals, it’s about recognising that normalising plant-based choices pressures policymakers and businesses to act faster.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leaders follow public demand. If the world still looks like it’s clinging to the past, they’ll be in no hurry to change. But when enough people reject industries built on exploitation, policies follow.&nbsp;&nbsp;The climate crisis is urgent, and every action counts. The most effective approach? Stop waiting. Do what you can today, and then demand more from those in power.

Want Climate Action? Start With Your Plate

Avian flu is now infecting humans across the U.S. At least 67 people have tested positive, and one person has died. The ones most at risk? Poultry and dairy workers - people in close contact with infected animals. But if the virus mutates, everyone could be at risk.&nbsp;Tracking this outbreak should be a priority, but the response is a mess. Testing is inconsistent, left to individual states with no clear federal oversight. Some states are actively looking for cases. Others? Not so much.&nbsp;&nbsp; No Clear Plan, Just Chaos&nbsp;&nbsp;The U.S. is tracking bird flu through wastewater testing, symptom-based testing, and random sampling of influenza A cases. But there's a glaring issue: not everyone who tests positive for the flu is checked for H5N1. In Iowa, a state dominated by factory farms, testing only happens if patients meet certain criteria. If a doctor doesn’t ask the right questions, cases slip through the cracks.&nbsp;&nbsp;California, where most human cases have been found, follows a similar pattern. Doctors are told to consider bird flu in patients with respiratory symptoms and recent exposure to infected animals or raw milk. That sounds responsible - except it assumes workers can access medical care in the first place.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Workers Most at Risk Are the Least Protected&nbsp;&nbsp;The humans most exposed to this virus - migrant and immigrant farmworkers - often don’t have access to healthcare. Many fear authority, worry about their immigration status, or simply don’t have time to see a doctor. If symptoms are mild, like a runny nose or conjunctivitis, they’re unlikely to get tested at all.&nbsp;&nbsp;So even when doctors do test for H5N1, they’re only seeing part of the picture. The real number of human cases could be much higher.&nbsp;&nbsp;Amy Liebman of the Migrant Clinicians Network says frontline workers need better education on bird flu, more personal protective equipment (PPE), and access to healthcare. But so far, there's little effort to make that happen.&nbsp;&nbsp; Trump’s Return Could Make Things Worse&nbsp;&nbsp;As Trump begins his second term, expect even less transparency and action. His first move? Silencing government agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If history repeats itself, tracking bird flu will become even more difficult.&nbsp;&nbsp;During his last term, Trump forced meatpacking plants to stay open during the COVID-19 pandemic. The result? Nearly 60,000 workers got sick, and 269 died. He put profits over people then, and there’s no reason to think he’ll do any differently now.&nbsp;A proposed Occupational Safety and Health Administration rule could have provided stronger protections for workers against infectious diseases. But now, it’s in limbo - just when it’s needed the most.&nbsp; The Bottom Line&nbsp;&nbsp;This virus has pandemic potential. If it mutates to spread between humans, we’re in trouble. Right now, we’re failing to track it properly.&nbsp;&nbsp;The government should be stepping up, protecting workers, and ensuring consistent testing across all states. Instead, they’re stepping back. And as long as animal farming continues, so will the risk of deadly outbreaks.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ignoring this won’t make it go away. It just ensures the next pandemic catches us unprepared - again.

Bird Flu Is Spreading - And the USA Is Failing to Track It

<a data-mce-href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/05/east-anglian-farms-breach-environment-regulations-700-times-in-seven-years" href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/feb/05/east-anglian-farms-breach-environment-regulations-700-times-in-seven-years" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Guardian</a> reports that East Anglia’s industrial farms have been caught breaching environmental regulations over 700 times in seven years. That’s twice a week, every week. Yet, just days ago, farmers were clogging up roads in protest - not over their own destruction of land, air, and water, but because they don’t want to pay their fair share in tax.&nbsp;&nbsp; 700 Breaches and CountingFreedom of Information (FoI) data reveals that intensive pig and poultry farms in Norfolk and Suffolk have violated environmental laws at least 776 times since 2017. That includes:&nbsp;&nbsp;- Contaminating waterways with slurry- Dumping dead animals outside instead of sealing them in containers&nbsp;&nbsp;- Packing in more animals than legally allowed- Polluting the air with unbearable stench&nbsp;&nbsp;Some of the biggest offenders? Cranswick plc, Crown Chicken Ltd, and Wayland Farms Ltd, all pushing for even bigger industrial farming operations despite their track record of pollution and non-compliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;Now, Cranswick wants permission to expand a farm in Methwold into a mega-factory farm producing millions of chickens and tens of thousands of pigs annually. Residents and campaigners are furious. They know the proposal means even more pollution, more emissions, and more destruction - but will local councils actually listen?&nbsp;&nbsp; The Hypocrisy of Farmer ProtestsMeanwhile, these same farmers - some of the biggest polluters in the country - just staged a mass protest against tax reform.&nbsp;&nbsp;Hundreds of tractors crawled along the A14 at 20mph, bringing traffic to a standstill. Their outrage? The government wants to end their decades-long exemption from inheritance tax, meaning wealthy landowners will finally have to contribute like everyone else.&nbsp;&nbsp;They cried about their "family farms" - the same "family farms" that pump waste into rivers, ignore regulations, and treat animals like machines. One farmer sobbed about possibly losing 20% of his farm. But what about the rivers lost to toxic run-off? The wildlife poisoned by ammonia emissions? The people forced to live next to these stinking, polluted sites?&nbsp;&nbsp; Factory Farming: A Disaster in Every WayFarming in the UK isn’t about food security or tradition - it’s industrialised animal exploitation on a mass scale, with massive consequences:&nbsp;&nbsp;- Climate impact – The proposed Methwold mega-farm alone could pump out 120,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, wrecking national climate targets.&nbsp;&nbsp;- Biodiversity loss – Overuse of land, pollution, and waste dumping devastates ecosystems.&nbsp;- Public health risks – Intensive farming breeds disease and contaminates water supplies.&nbsp;&nbsp; Yet, instead of addressing their own industry’s devastation, farmers play the victim and demand more tax payer handouts.&nbsp;&nbsp; The Bottom LineThe farming industry in East Anglia has violated environmental laws hundreds of times - yet when asked to pay tax like everyone else, they block roads in protest.&nbsp;&nbsp;No sympathy. If they can afford endless expansion, they can afford to clean up their mess.

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ARTICLES

Fur Industry in Freefall

Vegan Dog Food Brand Omni Secures Investment on Dragons’ Den

Fish Are Killed By The Trillions - And Most People Don’t ...

Want Climate Action? Start With Your Plate

Bird Flu Is Spreading - And the USA Is Failing to Track It

Farmers: Destroying the Environment While Playing the Victim