Leading animal charity calls for ban on greyhound racing, fox hunting, and stronger laws on dog breeding

NSPCA chief executive Pat Watt said its inspectors continued to deal with deeply distressing cases of cruelty and neglect every day, reflecting a reality that demands urgent action. File picture

A leading animal welfare charity has called for reform of legislation in relation to dog breeding, horse-drawn vehicles, a ban on fox hunting for sport and greyhound racing.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) said the Government should urgently strengthen animal welfare laws. It said “gaps in current protections are falling short".

It comes as the organisation — established last year through the merger of the ISPCA and the DSPCA — launches its five-year strategy on Wednesday.

It calls for the reformation of four aspects to support animal welfare. This includes the legal ban on greyhound racing and the legal ban on the hunting and killing of foxes by dogs for sports.

Additionally, the NSPCA is calling on the Government to reform dog breeding legislation to address large-scale commercial breeding, strengthen welfare standards and improve inspection as well as enforcement mechanisms.

It is also calling for a legal ban on sulky horses on all public roads and horse-drawn carriages in cities in an effort to promote “higher standards of care while safeguarding both animal welfare and public safety".

The launch comes amid new survey findings which show just under 90% of people support stricter dog breeding regulations. Additionally, 67% support phasing out horse-drawn carriages across towns and cities over time, while 86% believe those vehicles should be more strictly regulated.

Some 82% support a ban on fox hunting for sport, while 70% said they were concerned for the welfare of greyhounds in the racing industry.

NSPCA chief executive Pat Watt said its inspectors continued to deal with deeply distressing cases of cruelty and neglect every day, reflecting a reality that demands urgent action. 

“Public concern is growing, particularly in light of recent reports of disturbing cases involving horse-drawn vehicles, puppy farms, greyhounds and other animals, and this is reflected in our survey findings,” Mr Watt said.

“We are calling today for reforms to legislation to ensure that animals are properly protected in Ireland, and that the resources are available to improve enforcement,” he added.

Mr Watt said the organisation responded to cases of “cruelty, rescues animals in need, and works with communities to prevent harm before it happens” every day.

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

“But the scale and complexity of the challenge mean that this work must go further. Lasting progress requires a coordinated and focused national approach."