Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)

This Bill is welcome if it can clean up one corrupt aspect of the greyhound industry. Regrettably, the industry is riddled with corrupt practices and a complete investigation into all aspects of the industry is needed. I refer in particular to the illegal, disgraceful practice of blooding greyhounds with live rabbits, hares and kittens. RTE ably exposed these practices some time ago.

Greyhound welfare is also an issue. Thousands of dogs are put down as soon as they are no longer useful for racing. Many are cruelly treated and there are many instances of dogs being dumped with their ears hacked off and throats slit rather than a vet being paid to humanely put them down. The owners should be traced and dealt with severely. Many dogs are exported to Spain in inhumane conditions and treated in an appalling manner. This is the tip of the iceberg.

Live hare coursing — a medieval and cruel practice — is still legal and should be banned outright as has been done in more advanced countries. Even the most prominent owners and trainers are involved in doping. The dog that won the coursing greyhound of the year award, Boa Vista, is owned by Vinnie Jones and others. It also won the Irish Cup 2005-06, sponsored by J.P. McManus, receiving prize money of €80,000. It tested positive for a banned drug following that win but we still do not know what drug was involved. The Irish Coursing Club is a law unto itself and is not fit to regulate anything involving animal welfare.

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