I.F.B.A. Media Statement
 | The Irish Fur Breeders’ Association (IFBA) has noted the campaign organised in Ireland by UK group Respect for Animals and Compassion in World Farming, and is concerned at the level of inaccurate and misinformed commentary it contains. As all farmers understand, the health and wellbeing of an animal is best reflected in its coat. For Irish fur farmers, contented and healthy animals are a fundamental requirement of our business. The methods used to put down animals are quick and humane causing the least possible distress. These are farmed animals, domesticated and farmed since 1860, and who exhibit no fear of humans — this cannot be compared to caging animals that have previously lived in the wild. As with any farming, it is unwise to make direct comparisons between behaviour in the wild and that of domesticated animals. For example, the daily routine of an animal which must seek out its own food will be dramatically different from that of one whose needs are readily fulfilled. The IFBA does not accept that there is any difference between farming mink and pigs for example. There are a small number of highly professional and well-run fur farms in Ireland, providing much needed employment in rural areas. Mink farming in Ireland is carried out under Irish and European legislation and farms are regularly visited by Department of Agriculture and Food veterinary staff. In Europe there are 6,000 fur farms. The IFBA’s members take pride in their farms and in their animals, are responsible farmers and play an important role in their local economies.
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