Rásaíocht 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.
The Irish Coursing Club (ICC) is the organisation charged by statute since 1923 with the role of Keeper of the Irish Stud Book. The stud book records pedigrees, ownerships, breeding data and transfers of ownership primarily. The
ICC is subject to the general control and direction of RCÉ.
According to RCÉ, a direct data transfer is undertaken by the ICC to RCÉ on a frequent basis. Information appearing on RCÉ’s website reflects data held by the ICC at a point in time. According to the ICC, in order to effect a change of ownership of a greyhound, the necessary details are required from the purchaser prior to such transfer.
Obligations under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act, 2011 and any alleged breaches, are only enforceable against parties located within the state. The Welfare of Greyhounds Act, 2011, therefore, does not apply to persons outside the state who purchase greyhounds from Ireland.
I understand from RCÉ that if breaches of Section 10 of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act, 2011, by a seller, are identified by RCÉ and the offence was committed within the previous 12 months, its welfare officers will issue a fixed payment notice. Information on the number of fixed payment notices issued over the last 5 years for breaches of Section 10 of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act, 2011, are available on the RCÉ website.
With regard to the exportation of greyhounds, rules covering the movement of all breeds of dogs, including greyhounds, between EU Member States, are set at a European level. My Department does not certify exports to the country referred to.
