Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is a key priority of the Government. It is also a key priority for Rásaíocht Con Éireann, and the management and board. The long-term viability and future for the industry has to be built on good welfare. It is what the public and dog owners expect. It is what all dogs deserve. It is also what Government funding is contingent on. We continue to work closely together. The commitment from the Government is to continue funding the sector, but that welfare be given a priority as part of that. We have also taken a couple of other steps in the past two or three years. A confidential telephone line was established in 2019 to enable reports of any welfare breaches, for investigation by relevant agencies. There has also been an intensified inspection regime of greyhound establishments over the past two or three years. In 2021, some 1,221 inspections were carried out. Last year, 2,674 inspections were carried out. There is also significant emphasis and priority attached to the rehoming of retired greyhounds.

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