Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
727. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a dog is now in China (details supplied); the measures being taken to prevent the export of greyhounds to China; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12509/18]
View answerI am aware of this recent report of an export of a greyhound to China
The movement of all dogs, including greyhounds, within the EU is governed by EU law.
Under EU law, dogs moved to another EU country from Ireland must be accompanied by an EU pet passport, be microchipped, and have a valid rabies vaccination.
Also under EU law, 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. Exporters must comply with EU law on the protection of animals during transport.
The main destination for Irish dogs moved abroad is the UK. Information received from my Department's local offices for 2017 and 2018 indicates that no health certificates have been issued for the export of greyhounds from Ireland to China in these years.
Officials of my Department have met with Bord na gCon and with the welfare members of the International Greyhound Forum, which include the Dogs Trust and the ISPCA, to consider issues around the export of greyhounds. Bord na gCon is also a member of this Forum.
Bord na gCon advises owners involved in the export of greyhounds to only export to destinations that provide the level of greyhound care and management as defined within Bord na gCon’s Code of Practice. I fully endorse this advice.
