Vol. 411 No. 1
239 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food if he will outline (1) the regulations which govern the treatment of greyhounds for export to Spain and (2) the provisions which are made to ensure that these regulations, particularly those concerning the humane treatment of the dogs here and in Spain, are adhered to.
The Transit of Animals (General) Order, 1973 requires owners and/or transporters of animals, including greyhounds, to ensure that the welfare of animals is safeguarded during transport. Consignments of animals exported from Ireland are subject to monitoring by Department inspectors so that such requirements are complied with.
The question of protecting the welfare of animals at the point of destination is a matter for the importing country.
Most exports of greyhounds are organised by Bord na gCon. The board have recently decided to suspend the operation of their sales/export agency vis-à-vis the Spanish market and are requesting the World Greyhound Racing Federation to carry out a further assessment on the conditions which obtain within the Spanish greyhound racing industry.
