Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 274: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the guidelines and instructions inspectors are given when they carry out inspections in relation to fur animal inspection report form regulations 2000 and 1965 inspectors report on mink premises; the way inspectors classify stereotypical behaviour referenced in these documents; if action has been taken arising from non-compliance identified by inspectors; his views on whether the conclusions in the Report on the Welfare of Animals Kept for Fur Production relating to the welfare of foxes and minks. [37901/09]

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 277: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the guidelines and instructions the inspectors (details supplied) are given when they carry out inspections; if he will provide this Deputy with a copy of any such guidelines and instructions; the way the inspectors classify stereotypical behaviour referenced in documents; the source of the information, answer for each category and question of these reports; the person who receives the reports afterwards; the actions which arise from non-compliance identified by the inspectors in an inspection; and the corrective action taken and the person who examines the resulting reports. [37598/09]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose taking Questions Nos. 274 and 277 together.

Under the Musk Rats Act, 1933 (Application to Mink) Order 1965, the keeping of mink is prohibited except under licence, obtained from my Department. Licences, which are time-bound, are issued under this legislation only if the applicant, following an inspection by officers from the Agricultural Inspectorate of my Department, is found to be compliant with a number of conditions. Inspecting officers complete their inspection report form, having consulted, as necessary, with the fur farm management who supply statistics in relation to numbers of animals etc. Any issues relating to non-compliance are highlighted to fur farm managers and appropriate corrective action is recommended. Completed inspection report forms are copied to the section responsible for issuing the licences, together with a recommendation as to whether a licence should be issued.

Licensed fur farms are also inspected by Veterinary Inspectors from my Department to assess their compliance with the Council of Europe recommendations concerning fur animals and Council Directive 98/58/EC concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes. These inspections have, to date, found that the licensed fur farms have been operating in compliance with current legislation.

Veterinary Inspectors complete an inspection report form and make an assessment of animal behaviour on-farm on the basis of their professional judgement. Inspecting officers complete the inspection report form, having consulted, as necessary, with the fur farm management. Animal health and welfare inspection report forms are forwarded to Veterinary Management. Corrective action is recommended, as necessary, to the fur farm management.