About Us
ISPCA Policy on Farm Animals
Farmed animals must be provided with shelter, freedom to exercise, food, water, rest and care appropriate to their physiological and behavioural needs.*
The I.S.P.C.A. is opposed to mutilations carried out for commercial or non-therapeutic reasons, especially those carried out in an attempt to "adapt" animals to an inappropriate husbandry system; in such cases it is the system that should be modified, not the animal.
The Society advocates that humane slaughter be undertaken as near as possible to the place of rearing or residence.
Every animal for slaughter should be instantaneously killed or rendered instantaneously unconscious and insensible to pain until death occurs.
The Society advocates the proper training of slaughtermen and the introduction of a licensing system based on the successful completion of a course of instruction together with the necessary practical experience.
The Society is opposed to ritual slaughter where prestunning does not take place.
The Society is opposed to the use of yield and growth promoters in Animals believing that such use is against their welfare interests.
The Society is opposed to any system of husbandry, which denies the animal freedom to exhibit natural behaviour.
The Society is opposed to breeding or breeding programmes, which cause, or are likely to cause, suffering or damage to either animals or their offspring.
The Society opposes the farming of exotic species adaptable to our climate, or to Irish farm conditions.
Accepting the findings Of the Medway Report that fish are capable of experiencing pain, the I.S.P.C.A. believes that the welfare of individual fish must be provided for in fish- farming; in particular the handling, transport and slaughter of fish must comply with general humane principles, including attention to water quality and stocking density.
The Society supports schemes for the conservation of fish stocks and research into more humane and environmentally responsible methods of commercial fishing.
Mindful of the many welfare problems associated with horses and donkeys the Society urges compulsory registration and identification of all equines.
The Society supports the proper training of farmers and the Introduction of a licensing system based on the successful completion of a recognised course of instruction together with the necessary practical experience.
Note to (*): The I.S.P.C.A. recognises that there are cases were such mutilations are necessary to prevent likely injury to or suffering of either humans or other animals. In such cases it is essential that the mutilation does not in any way jeopardise the long-term health or well being of the animal.
Registered Charity Number 20008734, Registered Company Number 460571, CHY 5619
ISPCA Head Office, National Animal Centre, Derryglogher, Keenagh, Co. Longford, Ireland
T: 00 353 43 332 5035 | E: info@ispca.ie
