Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 July 2018
443. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if inspectors have visited fur farms to inspect the welfare of mink in view of their semi-aquatic nature and the recent hot weather; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31383/18]
View answerMy Department has statutory responsibility for the welfare and protection of farmed animals under the European Communities (Welfare of Farmed Animals) Regulations, 2010(Statutory Instrument No 311/2010) and the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. Irish fur farmers are subject to the same animal welfare legislation as any other livestock farmer.
There was an unannounced inspection carried out this summer on one of the three Irish mink farms and no welfare issues were raised. My Department will continue to carry out inspections both planned and unplanned on the facilities in question.
