In the annual Dom Bontje awards by animal rights group Bont voor Dieren, Dutch mink breeders topped the public vote for 2016. Rappers Lil'Kleine and Boef placed second and third for their fur collars made from coyotes caught in painful leghold traps. Former mayor Onno Hoes finished fourth for his fur item linked to raccoon dogs electrocuted anally and sometimes skinned alive. Everon Jackson Hooi and singer Rolf Sanchez closed the list with coyote and raccoon dog fur collars, respectively. Initially nominated singer Natalie La Rose pledged never to wear fur again after the recognition.
Nicole van Gemert, director of Bont voor Dieren: "It is unique that the public did not opt for a well-known Dutch person this year, but massively for the 160 mink breeders who kill six million mink a year for their fur. Although there is a mink breeding ban from 2024, until then they will knowingly continue to mistreat minks in small cages. In December we showed images of abuses repeatedly. The mink breeders also refuse to accept a ban. That is why they are by far the truly Domme Bontjes of 2016."
