Greyhound industry cares most of all for the dogs

Monday, April 05, 2010

IN his letter (March 22), John Fitzgerald expressed concern over the standard of care and welfare of Ireland’s greyhound population.

The Irish Greyhound Board takes its responsibility in this area very seriously. In many areas we lead the world.

Every stud dog and brood bitch is DNA-sampled, generating a database of greyhounds that far exceeds that of any other breed. Every mating and litter of pups is registered and all pups are earmarked to provide clear identity.

The greyhound industry spends in the region of €6m each year on registration, inspection of premises, welfare, research and rehoming of retired greyhounds. Mr Fitzgerald makes lurid claims but these are not supported by the reality of greyhound care in this country. More than 1,000 dogs are rehomed each year, representing a significant majority of those dogs that owners are unable to care for. Some are retained for breeding, others exported to continue a racing career. Some fall ill, or are injured, and put to sleep in a humane manner. Irish greyhound racing is a world leader. It is a successful industry supporting 11,000 people in employment throughout the country.

Contrary to the belief of animal rights activists, it is based, first and foremost, on the wellbeing of the dogs that are its heart and soul. It is regulated by statute, responsible to government and actively promotes welfare through mechanisms established through the Greyhound Industry Act 1958, the Protection of Animals Act 1965 and the Control of Dogs Act 1968. The Irish Greyhound Board supports the principle behind the Dog Breeding (Establishments) Bill. All we ask is that it references and reflects the legislation already in existence governing the care of greyhounds.

If we can engage in a constructive dialogue about the provisions of this bill, we will produce a better overall approach to this important area.

In so doing we will also avoid a successful Irish enterprise, well regulated and a valuable contributor to the national economy, being stripped of its breeding industry through unnecessary bureaucracy being introduced under the guise of animal welfare.

Barry Coleman
Welfare Manager
Irish Greyhound Board
Henry Street
Limerick

This appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Monday, April 05, 2010