Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
1307. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the active and specific steps his Department is taking to stop the illegal trade of greyhounds and the cruelty involved in this in response to recent increases in that practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37212/17]
View answerThe welfare of greyhounds is regulated through the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 and the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013. The Animal Health and Welfare Act applies to all animals, whether kept for commercial, domestic, sport, show or other purposes and contains robust measures against the ill-treatment of animals. The Act also provides for increased levels of penalties.
Bord na gCon, which is the State body responsible for the governance, regulation and development of the greyhound industry in Ireland and the wellbeing of greyhounds, has developed a Code of Practice in relation to the welfare of greyhounds which sets out specific standards that all individuals engaged in the care and management of registered greyhounds are expected to meet. The Code emphasises that owners and keepers must take full responsibility for the physical and social well-being of greyhounds in line with best welfare practice.
Where any breaches of welfare requirements are identified under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011, Bord na gCon takes stringent actions and prosecutions ensue in accordance with the Act. A new Greyhound Industry Bill is currently being introduced and the General Scheme of that Bill gives Bord na gCon a very clear role in relation to the welfare of greyhounds including the use of its funds to enhance the welfare of greyhounds and improved investigatory powers in relation to greyhound welfare.
The vast majority of dogs that are moved from Ireland go to the UK. Trade within the EU of dogs, including greyhounds, is governed by EU law. Dogs moved to another EU Member State from Ireland must be accompanied by an EU pet passport and a health certificate issued by a Department veterinarian, be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination.
The premises exporting dogs must be registered with my Department in advance of the export. 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. These procedures, including vaccination, ensure that only healthy dogs, over the age of 15 weeks, are allowed to be exported.
Exporters must also comply with national and EU law on the protection of animals during transport, while the transport of animals by air is also governed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations.
Bord na gCon 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 Bord na gCon’s Code of Practice and standards. I fully endorse this view.
Finally I should add that my Department continues to work closely with animal welfare charities on all aspects of animal welfare. Officials of my Department have also met 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.
