A leading animal welfare activist has challenged Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed over his refusal to ban live animal exportsCaroline Rowley of Ethical Farming Ireland criticised the suggestion that Irish animal welfare standards are in line with international standards. Mr Creed told The Irish Times last month he did not consider a call by Ireland South Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan for a total ban on live animal exports to be viable. He said he believed Ireland met international welfare standards. “I absolutely reject Grace O’Sullivan’s call to stop live exports because our exports are based on the highest welfare standards and I believe it is possible to continue that trade, having animal welfare at the heart of it,” he said. Ms Rowley, who says she has monitored live exports for several years, says reulations are being stretched to the limit

Source: The Irish Times January 21, 2020 22:18 UTC