Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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979. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of the export of greyhounds to China; if he has concerns for the welfare of the dogs when exported; if he has legislative proposals to remedy the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9415/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Once appropriate animal health and welfare certification requirements are met, dogs, including greyhounds, may be exported internationally. Health certification arrangements are in place and exporters are also required to comply with the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No 1 of 2005 on the protection of animals during transport. A range of flight carriers make the appropriate arrangements for the safe transport of animals worldwide in accordance with the requirements of International Air Transport. The Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has advised all owners involved in the export of greyhounds to only export to destinations that provide the expected levels of care and management as defined in the IGBs Code of Practice for the welfare of greyhounds. I fully endorse this view.