Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 May 2012
163 Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the basis on which he makes the point in a previous reply that killing mink by gas is humane bearing in mind that Compassion in World Farming state carbon dioxide should not be permitted for the killing of farmed mink and scientific opinion indicates that carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are both inhumane; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23600/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe permitted methods for slaughter/killing of all farmed animals including fur animals are outlined in European legislation, namely, Council Directive 93/119/EC of 22 December 1993 on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing. Exposure to carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are among the permitted methods for killing of fur animals and the chambers in which the animals are exposed to the gas must be designed, constructed and maintained in such a way as to avoid injury to the animals and allow them to be supervised. Council Directive 93/119/EC is transposed into national law through the European Communities (Welfare of farmed animals) Regulations 2010, S.I. 311 of 2010.
New revised welfare legislation on the protection of animals at time of killing, namely EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 1099/2009 has now been adopted and will come into effect on 1 January 2013. This revised legislation provides for a series of practical measures to ensure all animals are humanely treated, minimising distress and avoiding pain throughout the killing process. Permissible methods for killing of fur animals under the new legislation include carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide and conditions of their use and key parameters are outlined. Under the revised legislation parameters will be measured and monitored on a constant basis. The legislation also provides for personnel supervising the killing of fur animals to have a certificate of competence relevant to the operations they perform.
