Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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108. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding greyhound care. [9614/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The practices alleged in the correspondence supplied are of course entirely unacceptable. Bord na gCon is responsible for ensuring that matters in relation to the welfare of greyhounds are carefully monitored and BnG is empowered under legislation to deal with malpractices in regard to welfare.

According to Bord na gCon, less than 17,000 greyhounds are bred annually which is at considerable variance with the figure of 40,000 quoted in the correspondence. Furthermore Bord na gCon has informed my Department that the alleged acts of cruelty to greyhounds outlined in the correspondence have never been brought to its attention.

With regard to the particular incident referred to in this correspondence involving the demise of a number of greyhounds transported by ferry in France, these remains were discovered on the arrival of the ferry in Cherbourg, not Limerick, and this matter is under investigation by the French Authorities.

If anybody becomes aware of welfare malpractices in relation to greyhounds, such information should be brought to the attention of BnG or the Garda.