Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 April 2021
222. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of Irish-bred racing greyhounds exported to the United Kingdom in each of years 2015 to 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20982/21]
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. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
With regards to the export of greyhounds, under Council Directive 92/65/EEC (the “Balai” Directive), dogs moved commercially to another EU country from Ireland must be accompanied by an EU pet passport, be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination. Before travel, dogs must undergo a clinical examination by an authorised veterinarian, who must verify that the dogs 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 permitted to be exported.
Exporters are required to comply with the provisions of the Council Regulation (EC) No 1 of 2005 on the protection of animals during transport.
My Department only issues health certificates for export once all the above criteria have been met.
It is not possible to establish figures for greyhound exports to other EU countries, including the United Kingdom for the years in question, as TRACES, the European Commission’s online management tool for all sanitary requirements on intra-EU trade and importation of animals, does not distinguish between breeds of dogs moved commercially.
