Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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I will start with coursing, an issue on which we have tabled questions to the Minister. We have had reports on the number of hares injured, mauled and killed during coursing events. Greyhounds also suffer injuries because of the muzzles they wear. I do not advocate for one minute that the muzzles should be taken off, but there are situations where a greyhound is affected. Greyhounds are gentle animals. I was involved with a greyhound group when the issue of them being taken to China arose. We know what might have happened to them. Coursing involves the deliberate hunting and targeting of the hare, which is also a gentle creature. Before a coursing meeting, greyhounds are blooded and nobody need tell me that does not happen. There is no way greyhounds will run after a hare unless there is a reason to do so. Hares are netted in order that greyhounds can be blooded. Therefore, a greyhound thinks it is going after a hare to kill it because that is what it has been bred to do in coursing meetings. There is huge cruelty in the two aspects I have described before a coursing meeting and inherent cruelty during it.

Coursing clubs are monitored by coursing officials, which is completely illogical. The Minister made a point about countries in Europe allowing various practices, but only three countries in Europe allow coursing, of which Ireland is one. There is a very profitable drag coursing industry in Australia and betting takes place at such events. The hare is not a pest species. Various animal welfare organisations tell us what goes on at coursing meetings. There is no doubt that there is cruelty to animals, particularly the hare but also the greyhound.

I accept what the Minister said about the eradication of TB. Is there independent peer-reviewed scientific evidence on the efficiency of badger culling as opposed to pursuing a vaccination programme? Is it true that €70 million of our money went on the TB eradication programme in 2011, which involved the culling of badgers? I am not aware of a current survey of the badger population. Badgers are being caught in traps and left to starve to death. The young badger population is also suffering as a result. I welcome the positive statement by the Minister that there will be a vaccination programme which I hope comes sooner rather than later. I accept that TB in cattle must be eradicated and nobody wants to see it continue. However, I have grave issues about the culling of badgers.

Many countries in Europe are banning fur farming, including the Netherlands, the third largest mink breeder after China and Denmark. Other countries have examined the phasing-out of fur farms. I ask that it also be considered here. In the meantime, there are serious issues about the welfare of mink on fur farms. I refer to the way they are kept in cages and what happens in these cages.

Issues also arise regarding the manner in which mink are gassed with carbon dioxide. Various reports from a variety of veterinary associations discuss the effects of carbon dioxide, including the stress caused, the manner in which it impairs welfare and the amount of pain caused.

An environmental study shows that, by comparison with textiles, fur has a higher impact in respect of 17 of 18 environmental themes, including climate change and toxic emissions. The climate change impact of 1 kg of mink fur is five times greater than that of the highest scoring textile, wool, owing to feeding requirements and the nitrous oxide emissions from mink manure. Significant issues associated with fur farming have not been considered. Obviously, I would like to see the practice banned.

I cannot understand why, in this day and age, anybody would want to wear fur because there are so many alternatives. Irrespective of my sympathy for past generations of hunters who needed fur in extremely cold climates for a variety of reasons, in this day and age, in a so-called developed world, killing animals for their fur is just appalling.

I welcome what the Minister said about codes of practice. We know, however, that regulations and rules are not worth the paper they are written on unless they are implemented and seen to be implemented. While there may be some rules on animal welfare, they are not being implemented.

I welcome what was said about the chipping of dogs. Feral cats present a major problem. There are many cat lovers in the country, but a very simple programme could solve the problem. We spoke about the cost of accepting some of the amendments that were ruled out of order, but if we spent a small amount in addressing the problem presented by feral cats, it would be much more cost-effective than having to allocate resources when the problem grows to major proportions.