Responsible animal husbandry should always take place based on
scientific fact. This is why fur breeders have
invested many millions in scientific research for 50
years. With it a wider understanding has been obtained of the
needs of animals and the way in which these needs can be fulfilled.
In 1999 alone the research budget in the largest producing
countries, Denmark, Finland, Norway and the Netherlands was more
than 1.6 million euro.
 In some countries the government has its own research
institutions where scientists specifically research fur breeding.
It is estimated that some one hundred scientists worldwide are
studying fur breeding. They are associated in the International
Fur Animal Scientific Association (IFASA), which also publishes
its own magazine - Scientifur.
For the past year Europe has had its own independent platform
of scientists - the Fur Animal Welfare Research Committee. Set up
in early 1999, it will report regularly to the Council of Europe's
Standing Committee dealing with farm animal welfare and the
council's fur animal recommendations. The group includes
scientists from the UK, Denmark, Finland, Norway and the
Netherlands. Its chairman is professor Spruijt of Utrecht
University's Animal Welfare Centre.
 Some of the research by independent scientists is fully
financed by the sector. But an important part is financed together
with the governments in different European countries. This is a
good construction, in particular when it comes to questions
society poses on, for instance, the well-being of the animals.
Everyone can then be convinced that the research is carried out in
the most responsible and self-critical way. There are thus also
research projects that are entirely paid for by the government.
The scientific work provides the results with which fur
breeders can set the tone in the agricultural sector when it comes
to well-being, environment and modern farm management.
Current scientific research especially targets well-being
aspects such as:
- housing systems (group housing)
- husbandry (more animal/ human contact)
- cage upgrading
- breeding and selection (more confident animals).
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