Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1897. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if veterinary inspectors will visit mink farms to ensure that all measures are being met to alleviate suffering for the animals in view of the recent hot weather (details supplied) [32592/18]
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. Primary responsibility for the welfare of animals under their care rests with the owner/person in charge. Irish fur farmers are subject to the same animal welfare legislation as any other livestock farmer.
My Department continues to carry out inspections both planned and unplanned on these facilities. The premises in question will be inspected in the normal course. No specific weather related welfare issues have been identified this Summer.
