Code Of Practice For The Welfare Of Pigs Is Launched

The booklet aims to encourage all pig farmers to maintain the highest standards of animal husbandry and continue to practice responsible management on farms.

Commenting on the importance of good welfare practices, Junior Agriculture Minister and Clare T.D., Tony Killeen said: "If farmers follow this Code of Practice, it will help them to meet the necessary welfare standards. Without competent, diligent stockmanship, the welfare of pigs cannot be catered for adequately."

He added: "The booklet provides advice on maintaining good bio-security and animal health status within the herd and on ensuring appropriate welfare by having proper procedures in place for dealing with sick or injured animals. Advice on herd management and on the requirement for pigs to have access to suitable material to enable proper investigation and manipulation activities is addressed."

Meanwhile, Minister of State Killeen confirmed that the Department will shortly announce details of the new Sow Housing Scheme, being implemented shortly as part of the revised Rural Development Programme, which will provide 13 million euro to producers to assist in conversion to loose housing for sows.

The booklet is available on the FAWAC website at www.fawac.ie or from the FAWAC Secretariat - email FAWAC@agriculture.gov.ie.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:
- High-resolution images of Tony Killeen, Fianna Fail TD for Clare, and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, with special responsibility for Forestry, Fisheries and the Marine, may be downloaded from www.dunphyprimages.com
- For further information please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy PR at media@dunphypr.com or 086-8534900