Ireland’s last three mink fur farms will be paid off to wind up their businesses.
The Government is following up on a commitment in the Programme for Government to end the cruel industry in this country.
Minister for Agriculture, Charlie McConalogue, said that his department is in negotiation with the farmers over how much they will receive in compensation.
There are currently 12 people working fulltime across the three farms, which rises to around 30 during peak season.
It was a specific demand of the Green Party in their Government formation negotiations that fur farming be abolished.
Green Junior Minister in the Department of Agriculture, Pippa Hackett, said: “This is an important and progressive piece of legislation which is supported by the vast majority of the general public.
“The Green Party have long called for it, and support has been expressed too by many animal welfare groups, and the representative body for veterinary surgeons in Ireland, Veterinary Ireland."
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