"A ban is the only viable solution."
The Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, along with Respect for Animals, is calling for a ban on fur farming in Ireland, citing both animal welfare and ethical and moral grounds.
To this end, they are backing the Prohibition of Fur Farming Bill introduced by TD Ruth Coppinger in the Dáil at the start of October.
A new Red C opinion poll illustrates that eight in 10 Irish people agree that farming and killing of animals for fur in Ireland should be outlawed.
“There is overwhelming scientific evidence that fur farming is cruel," says ISPCA CEO
Dr Andrew Kelly.
Kelly points to the example of mink, noting that they are essentially wild animals and thus keeping them in small cages in which they are deprived of the ability to express normal behaviours is "not acceptable".
"We are calling on the government to put an end to this inhumane practice," adds Kelly.
"Many EU member states have already adopted legislation to prohibit or limit fur farming and we want Ireland to put an end to this barbaric practice which should be consigned to the dustbin of history.”
In Ireland, there are three fur farms located in Donegal, Kerry and Laois containing up to 200,000 mink, farmed in tiny wire mesh battery cages that typically measure 90 x 30 x 45cm.
They are kept there before being killed by gassing.
"A ban is the only viable solution to the serious welfare concerns caused by the fur factory farming of mink," says Mark Glover of Respect for Animals and the Fur Free Alliance.
"Governments around Europe are legislating to end this cruel practice, which contravenes the European Directive concerning the animals kept for farming purposes and the Council of Europe recommendation concerning fur animals.
"Fur farming is a disaster for animal welfare and it is clear from the opinion poll results released today that such a ban has huge support from the Irish public.”
More information on the ISPCA campaign can be viewed
here.
