Ireland preparing to ban fur farming

The Irish government is preparing to phase out fur farming and bring an end to mink farms.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed is expected to seek Cabinet approval tomorrow to draft legislation to ban the practice.

There are three mink farms in Ireland. One farm is in operation outside Glenties in Donegal, while two more are located in Kerry and Laois. The three farms rear up to 200,000 mink per year.

The farming of mink has already been banned in 14 EU countries.

Minister Creed is due to begin work on a plan to phase out the industry in a legal manner. At the same time, People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger is planning to bring her Prohibition of Fur Farming Bill before the Dáil on the 3rd of July.

Deputy Coppinger said she has written to Minister Creed to discuss the ban. “I think he should support our Bill, and bring forward amendments he thinks needed. Our Bill offers an opportunity to move next week on a ban,” she said.