Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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330. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will address a number of matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the export of greyhounds. [12160/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Bord na gCon is responsible for the governance, regulation and development of the greyhound industry in the Republic of Ireland. The wellbeing of greyhounds, including their physical and social environment, is at the core of Ireland’s greyhound industry. Bord na gCon is totally committed to the welfare of greyhounds and the promotion of the highest standards of care throughout the industry. In particular, Bord na gCon’s Code of Practice in relation to the welfare of greyhounds clearly sets out specific standards that all individuals engaged in the care and management of registered greyhounds are expected to meet. The Code of Practice emphasises that owners and keepers must take full responsibility for the physical and social well-being of greyhounds in line with best welfare practice.

Oversight mechanisms in place regarding greyhound exports include inter-agency co-operation, co-operation with fellow members of International Greyhound Forums and from intelligence/information which is received from Welfare Officers during the course of investigations carried out under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 (the Act). Where any breaches of welfare standards are identified under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011, Bord na gCon takes stringent actions and prosecutions ensue in accordance with the Act.

Bord na gCon advises all owners involved in the export of greyhounds to only export to destinations that provide the expected levels of greyhound care and management as defined in the Code. I strongly endorse this view.

Bord na gCon has informed me that the 24 greyhounds in question were inspected by a veterinary surgeon after their return to Ireland, and found to be in good physical condition. Bord na gCon has confirmed that where breaches of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act are identified, appropriate sanctions will be imposed.