| ICABS Action Alerts |
Red Mills Pet Food company and "country pursuits"
An article in the Summer 2011 edition of pro-bloodsports magazine, Countrysports and Country Life, has reported that "the Connolly family has a long association with country pursuits and are actively involved at present."
The hunting and shooting magazine highlights a new Connolly's Red Mills "Country Dog Food" range, quoting the company as saying "whether it's walking, flushing, pointing or setting, it will give your dogs just what they need."
Red Mills, which also produce pet food such as Leader, Winner and Super Premium Cat, has been previously criticised by ICABS over its association with the cruel blood sport of hare coursing.
Despite assuring us that they had "very strict policies against associating our brand with such sports [as hare coursing]", an advert for Red Mills appeared in the booklet for the Thurles and District Coursing Club meeting last year.
In addition, the company was a "sponsor of the presentation sheets" at the Edenderry coursing meeting and also advertised in the club's booklet. According to a report on a coursing website, one of the events at the Tipperary and District Coursing Meeting in February 2010 was the "Red Mills All Age Cup". At a coursing meeting in Templetuohy in January, one of the events listed was the Red Mills All Age Bitch Stake.
If Red Mills' association with "country pursuits" would make you choose an alternative brand of pet food, please contact the company now.
Mr Michael Connolly
Connolly's Red Mills
Goresbridge, Co Kilkenny
Email: michael.connolly@redmills.ie
Tel: +353 (0)59 9775800