Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 326: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food his views on the transportation of greyhounds from Ireland to China is being considered by the Irish Greyhound Board; if he sees any animal welfare issues arising from such transportation and if so, his plans regarding potential problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6372/11]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am not aware of any exports of greyhounds from Ireland to China in recent years.

Bord na gCon is a commercial State Body. The Board of Bord na gCon is responsible for leading and directing the activities of the Company. My Department is aware that Bord na gCon is exploring possible business opportunities in China. Bord na gCon has repeatedly confirmed its commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare in the greyhound industry. Consequently my Department would expect that any proposal involving Bord na gCon engaging with the greyhound industry in China would consider animal welfare matters. The Department's consideration of any proposal would be based on the overall case put forward and would as a matter of course remain mindful of the need to ensure the welfare of animals.

Any proposal to export greyhounds from Ireland to China would require the establishment and agreement of export health certification protocols with the Chinese authorities, and appropriate transport arrangements would have to be put in place to ensure the welfare of the animals in transit. My Department endeavours to ensure that all exporters comply with Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations.