Irish Greyhounds head Stateside amid drop in European demand

Numbers sent to American surges despite plug being pulled on funding, writes Conor Capplis

Residents of Orlando, Florida, with the greyhounds they adopted from Ireland.

There has been a significant drop in numbers of Irish greyhounds being rehomed in Europe this year. However, the shortfall in demand has been countered by a surge in numbers being rehomed in North America, despite Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) pulling the plug on funding dog transports to the US earlier this year.

Figures released by GRI to the Irish Examiner show a steep decline in dogs rehomed in Britain, Italy, Germany and Belgium. The largest decrease has been observed in the UK, where about 10% have been rehomed compared to the same period last year. The GRI said fewer people are seeking to rehome greyhounds than in recent years.