Chris Andrews (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Surgical insemination of greyhounds is deeply disturbing and inhumane. It is a practice that continues to plague the greyhound industry in Ireland. It is a procedure where a female dog's uterus is removed, semen is injected into the uterus, the uterus is then returned to the greyhound and she is then sewn back up and expected to carry the litter of dogs for 60 days while recovering from this painful surgery. It is absolutely bizarre. Despite the Veterinary Council of Ireland saying it is unethical, this process is still allowed to continue in greyhounds. It is not only cruel but entirely unnecessary. It is a stark reminder of how the pursuit of profit can overshadow compassion and ethics. Surgical insemination is a painful and very risky procedure. The greyhound racing industry has long been criticised for its exploitation of these gentle and loyal animals, from overbreeding to abandonment and euthanasia. The industry's track record is riddled with cruelty. Enough is enough. Greyhounds, like all dogs and all sentient beings, deserve better. Last July, the Government closed a consultation on this barbaric process. Will the Minister come to the House and outline when there will be a ban on surgical insemination? It is an absolutely bizarre practice and should not be allowed in 2025.

I acknowledge the work Dog Law Ireland and WAG Rescue, My Lovely Horse and various rescue groups do around the country. They are amazing. They recently told me they have to turn away greyhounds because so many are being presented to them that they cannot take any more. It is heartbreaking. They are filled with compassion and empathy in their work. They do this for nothing other than the love of dogs and animals.