People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) said it has sent a letter to Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue “urging him to prioritise eco- and animal-friendly vegan agriculture”.
“The key to stopping climate change and future pandemics in their tracks lies in sustainable vegan agriculture,” says PETA senior campaigns manager Kate Werner.
“PETA is calling on officials to give animals and the planet a lifeline by reorienting our food systems towards vibrant and varied vegan fare.”
Mink culling
As AgriLand had reported at the time, PETA has also previously said that “because fur farms are packed with sick, stressed, suffering animals, they have now been identified as SARS-CoV-2 hotspots responsible for a mutation of the virus that threatens the efficacy of any vaccine”.
Minister McConalogue clarified in January that the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Tony Holohan has “indicated he is no longer concerned in relation to the risk that mink pose”.
There are three large mink farms operating in Laois, Donegal and Kerry.
“Nonetheless, there is a clear commitment in the Programme for Government that we would phase out mink farming,” the minister said.
So, I am proceeding on the basis that we are finishing and looking to close out mink farming in the country. I will be coming forward shortly with legislation that will facilitate the proceeding of a cull and bringing an end to mink farming in the country.”
Elisa Allen, director of PETA described fur farming as “a business that shames us with its cruelty to animals”. She said fur fell out of fashion “long ago”.