Slaughtered .... John Tansey is pictured with the dead chickens killed in a mink attackA MAYO public representative has called for war to be declared on wild mink, the scourge of the farming and angling sectors.

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne issued his plea in the aftermath of a slaughter at a chicken farm at Broadfield, near Turlough, Castlebar.

Up to 60 hens owned by breeder John Tansey (pictured) were strangled and killed during a savage mink attack.

Mr. Tansey, who rears different varieties of fowl on the site, was shocked and horrified by the devastation caused by the predators in a couple of hours.

He told The Connaught Telegraph: “It was so sad and demoralising to see what happened.

“I was rearing hens as a hobby and had invested quite a bit of money doing so. From what I can gather, the problems being caused by mink are out of control.”

Now Councillor Kilcoyne, a member of Mayo County Council’s environmental strategic policy committee, says it is time to get tough in dealing with the threat posed by mink.

 

He stated: “There are reaping havoc in our farming communities and newly-born lambs are also being targeted by them.

“They are also a menace to anglers because of the impact they have on fish life along rivers.

“Mink are not a native creature and it’s time they were eradicated. At least the humble fox will stop after killing a chicken or two. But the mink is irrepressible once it gets the taste of blood.”

Councillor Kilcoyne said the bounty being offered to gun clubs for mink pelts was derisory.

“It is time we started offering a decent reward so we can start riding our countryside of these blood-thirsty animals.

“I have received numerous complaints about the issue over the past year and decisive action is urgently required,” he added.