Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020
800. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the inspection procedures that have been set out for greyhound breeders to ensure they are in compliance with the greyhound Act 2011; and if the new greyhound racing industry code of practice will give clear guidance on inspection procedures and record keeping. [40038/20]
View answerRásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. Rásaíocht Con Éireann is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
RCÉ has a significant welfare team that responds to any issues regarding care and welfare brought to the attention of RCÉ. There is a confidential phone line in place which operates on a 24/7 basis where any care and welfare issues can be reported to RCÉ. Inspections undertaken by RCÉ can include any premises where greyhounds are housed and such inspections are undertaken on the basis of assessing compliance with the relevant care and welfare requirements.
As part of its routine programme of inspections, greyhound breeding establishments were inspected during 2019/20. Issues were identified at one premises and addressed by the service of a ‘Welfare Notice’ by RCÉ welfare officers.
The draft Code of Practice for the Care and Welfare of the Greyhound, which is placed on public consultation to end of November 2020, includes sections regarding breeding activity and record keeping.
