Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:79. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the details of the deaths and injuries of greyhounds at tracks here from 1 January 2019 to date. [41934/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 15 October 2019
Ceisteanna (79)
Freagraí scríofa
Bord na gCon (BnG) 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. Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Instances of fatalities in greyhounds at stadia are extremely rare and are regrettable when they do occur, with best veterinary care and advice followed in each case. Bord na gCon (BnG) has informed me that of the 67,220 greyhounds raced from 1st January 2019 to date, 0.34% of these have been injured while 0.11% have been euthanized.
The percentage of greyhounds injured or put to sleep (PTS) has shown a downward trend in the last 5 year period. This is as a result of a continued focus by Bord na gCon on track maintenance and improvement procedures, together with the cancellation of racing where it is determined that there is a risk due to factors such as severe weather. It is intended as part of their priority focus on care and welfare to continue to improve the injury and PTS statistics.
In August 2019, BnG introduced a Greyhounds Injured at Tracks Support Scheme which provides financial assistance for greyhound owners towards severe injuries so that the greyhound can continue a healthy life into retirement. Bord na gCon also held regional seminars earlier this year for all greyhound owners and trainers to continue to promote the positive approach to welfare within the industry.