Release of mink is not the way to fur ban

THOSE responsible for the recent escape of mink from a fur factory farm Irish Examiner, February 22) may have had noble intentions but their actions were ill-judged.

Mink are highly territorial carnivores and are already widespread in Ireland thanks to the irresponsibility of fur breeders that have allowed them to escape over the course of many years.

Most of them die because they are not as well adapted as their wild counterparts. Many may find their way into chicken sheds or prey upon cherished pets.

Unfortunately, there were a number of highly publicised releases of mink in the UK prior to, and during, the course of the government’s consideration of a move to ban fur farming.

These releases delayed the implementation of the ban and alienated many potential supporters for its introduction.

No one was ever caught for the releases and questions were raised as to who was actually responsible for them and who benefited from them.

Releasing mink is environmentally irresponsible and is of no benefit to the species. Most people in Ireland want to see fur farming banned. The Government should act now.

Mark Glover,

Director,

Respect for Animals,

United Kingdom.

Mary-Anne Bartlett,

Director,

Compassion in World Farming, Ireland.