Greyhound breeders should not be exempt from new laws

AS opponents of the dreadful and well-documented cruelty to animals that is an integral part of Ireland’s greyhound industry, we are concerned at some of the speeches delivered by senators in recent weeks who wish this utterly discredited industry to escape the accountability to which all other dog breeding establishments in the state are to be subject under the Dog Breeding Establishments Bill, popularly known as the “puppy farm bill”.

Advocates of an exemption for greyhound breeders, within and outside the Oireachtas, cite the provisions of the existing 1958 Greyhound Industries Act. But this legislation does not focus on animal welfare issues within the industry. It is concerned with the wellbeing of the industry in social and financial terms. The 1958 act is of no use whatsoever to dogs that are neglected or cruelly ill-treated by uncaring greyhound-owners or trainers, of which there are sadly quite a few, as evidenced by the regular dumping of dead, mutilated greyhounds whose racing or coursing days have come to an end.

Injured greyhounds are similarly treated. These meet their demise in a variety of ways if not humanely put down. They are shot, drowned, strangled or beaten to death with spades or shovels.