Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 June 2017
49. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps he is taking to protect greyhounds that are being exported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27968/17]
View answerTrade within the EU of dogs, including greyhounds, is governed by EU law.
According to EU law, if dogs are exported to another EU country from Ireland, they must be accompanied by an EU pet passport, be microchipped, and have a valid rabies vaccination, which effectively ensures they are at least 15 weeks old at the date of export.
Also under EU law, the premises exporting dogs must be registered with my Department. Before travel, dogs must undergo a clinical examination by an authorised veterinarian, who must verify that the animals show no obvious signs of disease and are fit to be transported. Dogs must also have a health certificate issued by a Department veterinarian. These procedures ensure that only healthy dogs, over the age of 15 weeks, are allowed to be exported. Exporters must comply with EU law on the protection of animals during transport.
The Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has stated that it does not support the export of greyhounds to destinations which do not conform with the standards in the Animal Health and Welfare Act, the Welfare of Greyhounds Act or the IGB Code of Practice and standards. I fully endorse this view.
Officials of my Department have met with the Irish Greyhound Board and with the welfare members of the International Greyhound Forum, which includes the Dogs Trust and the ISPCA, to consider issues surrounding the export of greyhounds. The Forum continues to take an active interest on the issue.
I am aware that the Deputy has introduced a Private Members Bill on the subject of the export of greyhounds. My Department’s officials are currently examining this Bill.
