Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed announced the decision this Tuesday. \ Philip Doyle
ADVERTISEMENT
The Government approved plans to phase out fur farming at a cabinet meeting this Tuesday.
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said the decision was based on "a shift in societal expectations in relation to the sector", following the report of a review group recommending stricter regulation in 2012.
Despite increased controls, the minister added: "Recent veterinary evidence suggests that the farming of mink is counter to good animal welfare."
ADVERTISEMENT
The Government will now present a bill to the Oireachtas banning the establishment of any new fur farms.
The three existing fur farms in counties Donegal, Laois and Kerry will then be wound down "to allow time for employees to find alternative opportunities,” Minister Creed said.
According to the Department of Agriculture, the number of fur farms reduced from four to three in 2014, now producing 110,000 pelts each year.
Register for free to read this story and our free stories.
This content is available to digital subscribers and loyalty code users only. Sign in to your account, use the code or subscribe to get unlimited access.
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
CODE ACCEPTED
You have full access to the site until next Wednesday at 9pm.
CODE NOT VALID
Please try again or contact support.
The Government approved plans to phase out fur farming at a cabinet meeting this Tuesday.
Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed said the decision was based on "a shift in societal expectations in relation to the sector", following the report of a review group recommending stricter regulation in 2012.
Despite increased controls, the minister added: "Recent veterinary evidence suggests that the farming of mink is counter to good animal welfare."
The Government will now present a bill to the Oireachtas banning the establishment of any new fur farms.
The three existing fur farms in counties Donegal, Laois and Kerry will then be wound down "to allow time for employees to find alternative opportunities,” Minister Creed said.
According to the Department of Agriculture, the number of fur farms reduced from four to three in 2014, now producing 110,000 pelts each year.
If you would like to speak to a member of our team, please call us on 01-4199525.
Link sent to your email address
We have sent an email to your address. Please click on the link in this email to reset your password. If you can't find it in your inbox, please check your spam folder. If you can't find the email, please call us on 01-4199525.
ENTER YOUR LOYALTY CODE:
The reader loyalty code gives you full access to the site from when you enter it until the following Wednesday at 9pm. Find your unique code on the back page of Irish Country Living every week.
SHARING OPTIONS