Danish Food Minister Mogens Jensen admitted that he did not have the legal right to demand the slaughter of about 15 million healthy minks because of the coronavirus they allegedly spread. The breeders were then promised 20 crowns for each slaughtered animal within 10 days from the announcement of the action.
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He explained that there was no reason to require breeders to kill animals outside the established zones. The Danish government hastened and felt that there was no time to wait for the adoption of a new law.
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“Mistakes have been made. And I’m so sorry. But this does not change the fact that there is a great risk of mink breeding in Denmark under covid conditions,” the minister said.
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He took responsibility for the destruction of millions of thoroughbred animals.
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Mogens Jensen noted that the law regulates the slaughter of diseased minks and the destruction of the population within a radius of eight kilometers from the epicenter of infection.
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The law, which introduces new norms for the slaughter of healthy minks, is due to be considered on July 5. Jensen expressed the hope that Parliament would speed up the process of its adoption. But the Cabinet does not have a majority in it. Therefore, the bill will be considered in the usual manner in three readings.
