‘Reverse decision to export our pigs to China’
ACTRESS Pauline McLynn protested with animal rights campaigners yesterday to demand the Government reverse its decision to export live pigs to China.
Ms McLynn, best known for playing Mrs Doyle in the sitcom Father Ted, was joined outside the Dáil by popular musicians Cathy Davey and Neil Hannon.
The Government announced on September 18 that it would export live pigs to China as part of a new trade deal, in a move that has caused outrage among animal rights activists.
‘Live exports are completely unnecessary and cruel,’ Ms McLynn told the Irish Daily Mail yesterday. ‘We know that the animals suffer horribly and China has no animal welfare legislation, so it’s not actually illegal to be cruel to animals there.’
She added: ‘China experienced a swine flu outbreak in 2019 and culled 200million animals, burying many of them alive. I rest my case.’
The actress became a household name with her tea-related gags in Father Ted, but has turned to animal activism in recent years. Ms McLynn said the Government’s deal with China was ‘all about money’ and asked: ‘At what cost?’
This was echoed by protesters who gathered outside the Dáil, with a distraught air hostess and a life-size model pig in a cage illustrating their message.
Singer Ms Davey, who founded a pig rescue centre, criticised Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue for ‘slipping’ the announcement past the public.
‘I know it’s hard for people to speak up but you must voice your disgust at these decisions,’ she told the Mail.
Ms Davey’s partner, Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy, said the public had a ‘mental disconnect’ with pigs compared with pets.
‘Why are we willing to do this to animals that are no different to the Taoiseach’s dog?’ he said.
‘The Irish like to say that we are very in tune with animals, but why can’t we make that reality? It’s just hypocrisy.’
Live animal exports are banned in the UK but continue throughout Europe. The proposal to ship live pigs to China has caused considerable controversy because of the distance and lack of welfare regulations.
Caroline Rowley, director of Ethical Farming Ireland, asked: ‘Where exactly does this fit into the animal welfare strategy that was launched with much fanfare by Minister McConalogue at the start of the year?’
She added: ‘The natural habitat of pigs is woodland, not a high-rise pig factory in China.’
The Government said the deal recognised ‘Ireland’s strong history of breeding and selling superior health status pigs to many overseas markets’. However, campaigners criticised the environmental cost of flying live animals long distances.
‘Why can’t we make that reality?’