Farm animal guidelines launched
Mr Walsh described the publication of the guidelines by the Farm Animal Advisory Council, headed by Professor Patrick Fottrell, as significant for a number of reasons.
They have been developed with the intention of encouraging beef and sheep farmers to adopt and maintain the highest standards of farm animal husbandry.
In doing so, farmers can not alone enhance the health and welfare of their herds and flocks, protecting their livelihoods in the process, but also demonstrate Ireland’s commitment to the application of animal welfare standards on-farm.
Mr Walsh said it is important that Irish farmers maintain the highest standards of farm animal welfare, which is what the consumer here in Ireland, and abroad is now demanding.
“The role of the consumer and consumer requirements have come to the fore in recent years and the publication of these guidelines will instil confidence in our farm products,” said Mr Walsh.
Mr Walsh said farm animal welfare continues to receive close attention at EU level.
This will continue to be the case in the years ahead and through the changes in agriculture in Europe, he said.
