Animal charities slam travel conditions for greyhounds

The Irish Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals and its British equivalent, the RSPCA, have described the travelling conditions of 36 greyhounds that were taken from Ireland for racing in Spain as appalling.

The animal charities, which mounted a joint surveillance operation, said the dogs were hot, thirsty and hungry, had nowhere to sit, were unable to stand properly and were hidden from view for 38 hours.

Alistar Keane, director of operations with the ISPCA, said the traders had no regard for animal welfare.

"These people loaded these dogs in full view of the public, in full view of officials and veterinarians and nothing was done," he said.