CONCERN FOR LIVELIHOOD OF CONNEMARA SHEEP FARMERS

Date Published: 21-Jul-2009

Sheep farmers in Connemara say they are seriously concerned for their livelihood following the brutal killing of many of their lambs by minksFor the past three years, the minks, which travel in packs, have been travelling up the rivers in Connemara and attacking and killing the lambs of several farmers The Connemara branch of the Irish Farmers Association say the situation is becoming progessively worse as the minks are increasing in numberLess than two months ago, 20 lambs in Letterfrack were killed and attacked by minks in one nightFarmers say that traps and shooting of the unprotected species are not as effective as they hoped, and are now looking for new ideas to help them deal with the situationMary Lacey, secretary of the Connemara IFA says the minks are savage and vicious killers that are threatening the livelihoods of farmers