TDs demand changes to breeders bill

FIANNA Fáil backbenchers are demanding further amendments to the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill following greyhound industry representatives warning that the bill, in its current form, will lead to the “destruction of a fine traditional Irish industry”.

At an Oireachtas Agriculture Committee meeting yesterday, there was further criticism of the animal protection measures which are core to Environment Minster, John Gormley’s legislative programme.

Fianna Fáil TD Bobby Aylward criticised the bill, stating he believed it had been drawn up by people “who do not understand” the greyhound industry.

Backed by a cross-party group of rural TDs, Mr Aylward demanded a less rigorous inspection regime and an increase from six the number of litters that a bitch would be allowed to have in her lifetime.

Mr Aylward said he would not change the current 1958 act but “unfortunately we are in a coalition” and added as a government TD, he had “to be careful what I say”.

However, the Kilkenny TD said he would not support the Government being “brought down over the legalisation” as they “had bigger fish to be caught”.

He said his party, including Taoiseach Brian Cowen, who had “raised greyhounds since he was knee-high”, were continuing to discuss the bill with Mr Gormley and further changes were expected before it came before the Dáil.

Fine Gael also oppose the bill in its current form, with Michael Creed TD stating they will propose amendments if the “dialogue between the government parties does not bear fruit”.

In a presentation, Bord na gCon chief executive, Adrian Neilan, said that his organisation opposed the maximum limit of six bitches before breeders are considered as running a “breeding establishment” which entails more state inspections and greater cost.

The body is also opposing the mandatory micro chipping of dogs, stating that the current system of ear tagging constitutes a more “foolproof” system.

Fianna Fáil Cork East TD, Ned O’Keeffe, raised the issue of the Youghal dog track, which he claims was facing closure due to Bord na gCon’s failure to fund its redevelopment.

Bord na gCon director, Tony McKenna, said there was no intention to close the track but a €1.6 million redevelopment scheme “was back at the drawing board” due to funding restrictions.

The greyhound industry will receive €11.8m via the horse and greyhound fund this year. In addition, €6.2m will be available via the off-course bookmakers fund. Mr Neilan said the industry supported 11,000 jobs and maintenance of these was a central concern.