Welfare not a priority for dogs bred for speed

I READ with interest the letters (April 5) from representatives of the greyhound industry and individuals whose concern is the welfare of the dogs.

Reviewing the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) website I note (despite Barry Coleman’s protestations about the wellbeing of the dogs) very few pages are devoted to the welfare of the unwanted greyhounds, but much of the information is on race meetings, syndicates, totes and results. IGB makes vast sums of money from racing the greyhounds, but what is spent on promoting them as pets? The very few that find homes in this country would indicate that not a lot is invested in ensuring proper care of misfortunate creatures which are doomed to die just because they are too slow. Any industry that breeds dogs or any animals simply for their speed cannot have their welfare as its ethos.

According to Barry Coleman, some of the unwanted greyhounds are exported to continue their racing careers. If they are not fast enough for Irish tracks, it is unlikely they will perform any differently elsewhere.

It would appear many of these disposable dogs end their days being used for hunting, living in appalling conditions and often dying in the most horrendous way. I suggest your readers log on to any of the greyhound welfare sites and learn for themselves the fate of these gentle creatures.

Legislation that would help improve the lives of the greyhounds should be welcomed by any civilised society.

Katherine O’Neill

Beechpark

Lucan

Co Dublin