Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 April 2018
181. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which he is addressing the continued transport of Irish greyhounds for commercial purposes to countries in Asia and elsewhere that have no animal welfare standards. [18182/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe position with regard to export is that 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. Any dogs moved to another EU country from Ireland must be accompanied by an EU pet passport, 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. Dogs must also have a health certificate issued by a Department veterinarian. 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 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. In this context, I am aware that a number of airlines do not transport commercial consignments of greyhounds.
Bord na gCon, which is responsible for the governance, regulation and development of the greyhound industry in Ireland, 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 its own Code of Practice and standards. I fully endorse this view.
My Department has a close working relationship with animal welfare charities on all aspects of animal welfare. Officials of my Department have met with the welfare members of the International Greyhound Forum, which includes the Dogs Trust, the ISPCA and Bord na gCon, to consider issues surrounding the export of greyhounds.
