Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)

I welcome the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill. I acknowledge the contribution made by the vast majority of those involved in greyhound racing and coursing to the sporting and cultural landscape in Ireland, and in rural Ireland in particular, and to the welfare of dogs. They provide employment, sport and recreation for thousands of people and they have great dedication to their sport. The vast majority have fantastic commitment to the welfare of their animals. The familiar scene of local greyhound trainers out with their dogs in the very early hours of the morning is one repeated in villages, towns and cities throughout the island.

With my arts spokesperson hat on, I recall feature films such as "Man About Dog" and "The Mighty Celt" portraying the unique relationship between Irish greyhound enthusiasts and their dogs. We have, without doubt, a strong and proud tradition of breeding and training greyhounds for competition in Ireland. However, internationally we have seen cases taken against those who have committed immense cruelty to greyhounds. In one instance in 2007, a builder's merchant was charged at Durham Magistrates' Court in England with killing thousands of healthy greyhounds that were too slow to race.

Animal rights campaigners claim Spanish hunters hang, drown and poison 50,000 greyhounds every year. I am not aware of any comparable cases in Ireland, but there is no doubt that because of the competitive nature of the greyhound business some greyhounds, predominantly slower and older dogs, are particularly vulnerable to maltreatment and neglect.

I welcome many of the provisions contained in the Bill, including the requirement for the formal registration of breeding establishments, the increase in the minimum breeding age, and, in particular, the restrictions on the number of times a female greyhound can be bred.

We must not forget that the greyhound industry is just that, an industry. It is aimed at producing pedigree dogs in a very competitive environment where the working life of a top-class greyhound is very short. As legislators, we have a responsibility to protect the welfare of these animals. The Bill provides for this, but only if it is implemented and enforced. I welcome the extension of powers for welfare officers from Bord na gCon, the Irish Coursing Club and local authorities which will enable them to issue welfare notices and, where necessary, to seize greyhounds.

An important issue concerning the welfare of greyhounds which I feel is missed, and perhaps it is beyond the scope of this Bill, is that of the welfare of retired greyhounds. While I understand the certain degree of protection provided for under the general provisions relating to cruelty in the Protection of Animals Acts 1911 and 1965, it is important to stress that greyhound handlers must accept responsibility for the welfare of animals after their days of competition are over. We must acknowledge and commend the work of the Retired Greyhound Trust which focuses on the adoption and re-homing of greyhounds when they finish racing. In 2011, it launched a campaign, which is ongoing, to promote greyhounds as pets. I know quite a few people who have greyhounds as pets and they are a lovely animal to have as a pet, particularly for those with children.

Notwithstanding the current financial constraints, the Government must support projects and initiatives like this if the welfare of greyhounds is to be really protected. Likewise, the Government must ensure that the spirit and detail of the Bill are implemented. This is something that will not necessarily cost in monetary terms but it will require a step-change in the relationship of the relevant authorities with greyhound breeders and handlers. A thorough education campaign will be necessary to ensure that breeders, handlers and the authorities themselves are aware of the latest standards and regulations.

I commend the Bill. If there is follow-through on its provisions it has the potential to be successful.

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