Victory! Ireland Is Set To Become The Next Country To Ban Fur Farming After Bill Passes Final Stages

A major victory as Ireland will become the next country in the world to ban fur farming. The bill to ban the outdated practice passed its final stages of the legislative process this week.

The Green Party, a grassroots organization, has long called for a ban on fur farming with the support of many animal welfare groups and the representative body for veterinary surgeons in Ireland, Veterinary Ireland.

There are currently three active fur farms in Ireland that breed and rear mink for the purposes of pelting them for the fur industry, which will be closed under the new plan.

Green Party Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Senator Pippa Hackett, welcomed the passage of the bill, saying, “I am delighted to see this progressive and historic development come to pass. The Green Party has campaigned on this issue for many years and I believe it has the support of the vast majority of the public.”

“Banning fur farming is a vital step in the protection of animal welfare and puts us in line with similar legislation being implemented across Europe,” continued Hackett. “These farms cannot provide for the five freedoms of animal welfare, particularly in relation to the need to express normal behaviors – no welfare standards or inspection regimes can prevent welfare problems being encountered regularly on fur farms.”

The Animal Health, Welfare, and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021, which also introduces an exemption to forestry licences for the planting of small native woodlands, will be signed into law by President Michael D. Higgins in the coming weeks.

Horrifically, the fashion industry kills an estimated 100 million animals for their fur each year, including approximately 2 million dogs and cats.

The fur-free movement is sweeping the fashion industry as the demand for compassionately made apparel continues. Mega-retailers that no longer sell fur include: Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, H&M, and many more. Canada Goose, Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana, and Moncler have all committed to eliminating fur from their collections.

Let’s continue to urge everyone to #MakeCompassionTheFashion!

You can help all animals and our planet by choosing compassion on your plate and in your glass. #GoVeg