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Greyhound Industry

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 May 2022

Tuesday, 10 May 2022

Questions (849)

Brian Leddin

Question:

849. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of individual greyhound pups born in Ireland during the period 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021 and during the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021, in tabular form; the breakdown of racing and coursing pups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22746/22]

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Written answers

The Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is the organisation charged with the role of Keeper of the Irish Greyhound Stud Book (IGSB) since 1923. The Stud Book records pedigrees, ownerships, breeding data and transfers of ownership primarily of all greyhounds. The ICC is subject to the general control and direction of Rásaíocht Con Éireann.

The ICC has informed my Department that during the period 1st January 2021 to 30th June 2021 there were a total of 1062 litters whelped with 3353 dogs and 3314 bitches registered. During the period 1st January 2021 to 31st December 2021 there were 2185 litters whelped with 6950 dogs and 7028 bitches registered.

The Irish Greyhound Stud Book (IGSB) registers details of all thoroughbred greyhounds. The IGSB's definition of a greyhound makes no distinction between those intended for participation in competitions sanctioned by either RCÉ or the ICC. Greyhounds can participate in either or both types of competition as there is no differentiation made based on a greyhound's breeding status. The most recent amendment to the IGSB was to collate the individual number of male and female pups per litter, and this information is now available.

Racing greyhound traceability which is separate and distinct from the IGSB is now available through the RCÉ traceability system. The ICC is finalising traceability for coursing greyhounds, and much of the IT work is complete. The system is expected to be operational by quarter three, ahead of the start of the coursing season in 2022/23.

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