8th December 2008
PRESS STATEME=
NT FROM
COMPASSION IN WORLD FARMING - IRELAND
PIG CRISIS:
Compassion in=
World
Farming, Ireland’s leading farm animal welfare organisation, has today
called on the Minister for Agriculture Brendan Smith to ensure that the wel=
fare
of all pigs is fully protected during the current crisis.
Compassion in World Farming has called on Minister Smi= th to ensure that the welfare of potentially contaminated pigs is protected even though they are not destined for the human food chain. These pigs, whilst still alive, mu= st be properly fed and housed. Slau= ghter of potentially contaminated pigs must be carried out humanely under the supervision of an official Department of Agriculture veterinarian.
With regard to pigs that cannot now go for routine sla= ughter due to the closure of slaughter plants, Compassion in World Farming has urg= ed Minister Smith to ensure that these animals are given food and provided with adequate space on the farm as they continue to grow bigger. Compassion in World Farming warns = that this situation, if left to continue, will lead to serious overcrowding of p= igs on farms, which has major welfare implications for the animals.
Mary-Anne Bartlett, Director of Compassion in World
Farming - Ireland, says:
“People are rightly concerned about the human he= alth and consumer issues of the pork contamination crisis. However, we must not forget that p= igs are sentient animals and their welfare must be protected at all times during this crisis. Compassion in Wo= rld Farming is concerned that financial pressures may put pig welfare at risk, = and we are calling on Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith to ensure that this does = not happen.”
For further information, please contact:
Mary-Anne Bartlett 021 4639038 or 087 2600890