11th December
2008
PRESS STATEMENT FROM COMPASSION IN WORLD FARMING - IRELAND=
PIG CRISIS: ANIMAL WELFARE ORGANISATION SEEKS ASSURANCE FROM
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE THAT POTENTIALLY CONTAMINATED PIGS WILL BE FED WH=
ILST
HELD ON FARMS, AND WILL BE SLAUGHTERED HUMANELY
Compassion in World Farming, Ireland’s leading farm animal welfare
organisation, has sought assurance from the Department of Agriculture that =
all
pigs being held on farms because they are potentially contaminated with dio=
xin
will be adequately fed on a regular basis until such times as they are
slaughtered.
Compassion in World Farming is concerned that, due to financial pressu=
res
on pig farmers, there may be difficulties in providing these pigs - which h=
ave
no commercial value - with adequate food. The organisation has asked =
the
Department of Agriculture to outline the steps that it is taking to ensure =
that
these pigs are fed on a regular basis.
Compassion in World Farming has also asked the Department of Agricultu=
re
to give assurance that all potentially contaminated pigs will be slaughtered
humanely at a slaughterhouse under the supervision of an official veterinar=
ian.
Mary-Anne Bartlett, Director of Compassion in World Farming - Ireland, s=
ays:
“Even though these potentially contaminated pigs have no commercial
value, they are still sentient animals and their welfare must be fully
protected until such times as they are slaughtered.”
For further information, please contact Mary-Anne Bartlett 021 46390=
38
ENDS