Bill limits greyhound breeding litters to six in a lifetime

NO more than six litters in a lifetime will be allowed in greyhound breeding, according to the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2010, recently published by Agriculture Minister Brendan Smith.

However, where a vet certifies that it would not be detrimental to the greyhound’s welfare, a bitch will be allowed to carry two additional litters. The minimum breeding age will be 15 months — considerably higher than in the Dog Breeding Establishments Act. The Irish Coursing Club will be prohibited from registering litters born to greyhounds under 15 months, and to race or participate in coursing.

The Bill sets up extensive powers of inspection for welfare officers and will be introduced as a Seanad Bill early in the New Year. Minister Smith said that the objective is to regulate welfare in the greyhound industry, complementing the Dog Breeding Establishments Act 2010. The Bill provides for the creation of a new register of greyhound breeding establishments, defined as establishments with four or more greyhound bitches aged over 15 months, used for breeding.