asked the Minister for Agriculture whether he has received complaints from residents in the Rathdown area that poultry are being killed by mink from one or more of the mink farms in that area and whether as a matter of urgency he will consider the desirability of making regulations to control such farms in order that these animals cannot escape in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Control of Mink Farms.
8.
One complaint was received in May, 1959, that some poultry had been killed by mink in the area mentioned. The complainant stated that the animal, which it was believed had escaped from premises in the neighbourhood, had been caught and killed.
In view of the value of these animals, breeders of mink may be relied upon to take precautions to ensure that their stock do not escape. Accordingly, I do not consider that at present regulations such as those envisaged by the Deputy are necessary.
Is there any possibility that the poultry were taken by mink with two legs?
Skunks?
Question No. 9 postponed.