Animal welfare activists put pressure on Gormley
Monday December 07 2009
GREEN Party leader John Gormley will face a "PR disaster" if he reneges on promises to ban fur farming and stag hunting, according to animal welfare activists.
Hundreds of activists gathered in Dublin yesterday to call for greater protection for animals ahead of the publication of a new Animal Health and Welfare Bill next year.
As part of the revised Programme for Government, the Greens won a ban on stag hunting and the phasing out of fur farming. Activists said they hope both measures would be included in the new bill.
However, John Carmody, spokesman for Animal Rights Action Network (ARAN), said that until the practices are banned, his group will put pressure on the Government.
"We have had similar pledges from many governments around the world that have come to nothing. The only thing we can do is remain hopeful."
Yesterday, ARAN staged a rally on O'Connell Street which was supported by a variety of animal rescue groups.
A spokesman for the Department of Agriculture said drafting of the bill, which gives commitments in the areas of animal health and welfare contained in the Programme for Government, was ongoing.
"On the commitment to phase out fur farming over three years, department officials are currently examining the legislative changes necessary to give effect to that commitment," he said.
- Breda Heffernan
Irish Independent
