Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)

I echo Deputy Boyle's comments on the Dalton report, which was leaked. God help us if any report on sexual offences is treated in the same way. I agree with the sentiments of this Bill and will support its attempt to regulate the greyhound industry.

Greyhounds must compete on merit and should not race after taking painkillers or other drugs to boost performance. Much concern has been expressed about the health and safety of the greyhounds but only a handful of Deputies have referred to the health and safety of hares. Deputy Gregory referred to the continuing practice of blooding and cruelty to dogs. Greyhounds are treated as commodities and put down once they have outlived their usefulness. The same applies to hares. Even in the regulated system where dogs wear muzzles, hares are held for up to six weeks and may be killed by stress or mauling during coursing meets.

I have nothing against the greyhound industry per se. I acknowledge that a night at the dogs could be an enjoyable event but not at the expense of unnecessary cruelty and mistreatment of animals. Studies have shown that drag coursing provides a similar training for dogs without cruelty to hares.

Notwithstanding the manner in which dogs are treated, a societal issue must be addressed. Many Deputies and well-heeled members of society enjoy going to the dogs and buying dogs. I am sure they would not condone the use of animals as commodities or cruelty to animals but this happens in the greyhound industry. Surveys show that 75% of people living in the countryside and 90% of those in cities oppose hare coursing, a considerable amount. The sport has blood on its hands and is under a cloud, irrespective of the contents of the Dalton report. An industry based on cruelty and exploitation should not be allowed to continue as it is.

The greyhound and horse racing industries are hugely profitable. Nevertheless, some 37% of funding from the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism is allocated to these two profitable industries. Does one person become healthier, fitter or better off spiritually as a result of this investment? They do not but, as Deputy Finian McGrath outlined, a major deficit exists in respect of sports clubs where people are involved in sports. This morning I referred to obesity and the lack of exercise by children. Track and field sports, Gaelic games, rugby, hockey, soccer, swimming and tag rugby, which is catching on nowadays, allow people to interact socially, increase fitness and improve health. There is no exploitation in these sports. Receiving an elbow from Deputy Deenihan in an all-Ireland final may be labelled as blood sport but that is legal and I endorse such blood sport between human beings.

Dumb animals are being exploited but even dumber animals are keeping the industry going. There is something wrong when three times as much lottery funding for sports is allocated to Kerry as to Dublin and north Kildare. Money is available if we transfer it from industries that provide no exercise to local clubs and communities, enabling us to address the health crisis. This will avoid getting involved in the exploitation of animals.

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