Seán Haughey (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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785. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will take measures to prevent the export of greyhounds to China given the conditions that they must endure there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12819/16]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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All exporters of dogs are required to provide the following animal health and welfare certification. This includes veterinary certification in relation to (i) compliance with identification requirements (Microchipping and pet passport where appropriate) (ii) fitness for the intended journey (iii) health status (iv) rabies vaccination requirements. Once these animal certification requirements are met, dogs, including greyhounds, may be exported internationally.

Bord na gCon is responsible for the governance, regulation and development of the greyhound industry in the Republic of Ireland and the wellbeing of greyhounds, including their physical and social environment, is at the core of Ireland’s greyhound industry. Bord na gCon’s Code of Practice in relation to the welfare of greyhounds sets out specific standards that all individuals engaged in the care and management of registered greyhounds are expected to meet. The Code 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.

Officials of my Department have recently met with Bord na gCon and the welfare members of the International Greyhound Forum (represented by the ISPCA and the Dogs Trust) to consider the issues surrounding the export of greyhounds. 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 and I strongly endorse this view.