Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)

I cannot fathom the Minister's approach in this regard, in particular in respect of the greyhound industry. It is not realistic to determine that a greyhound bitch could be potentially useful for breeding at six months. While in general terms, a bitch, once finished racing and if part of a good litter could be used for breeding purposes she would never be so considered at six months of age. While this measure has relevance in regard to thigh breeds and puppy farming regulation, it has no relevance in respect of the greyhound industry.

I will give an example. A great bitch won the Irish Oaks in Shelbourne Park a few weeks ago. She is owned by a Clare man, Father Jack Meade. Her dam, Dalcash Diva, has had three litters. In her first litter to Droopys Scholes she gave birth to ten pups, six bitches and four dogs. Under this provision the establishment at which these bitch pups are kept will be, on their reaching the age of six months, regarded as a breeding establishment. This will be the case in respect of only one litter.

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