Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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1183. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his Department is tracking whether greyhounds exported to other countries were then exported on to Pakistan in each of the years from 2010 to 2016; the steps he will take to stop the direct or indirect export of dogs to Pakistan, in view of concerns regarding animal welfare standards there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19778/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Commercial movements of animals, including dogs, within the EU are recorded on the European Commission’s TRACES system. Movements to non-EU countries are not recorded on TRACES. In view of this, it is not possible for my Department to trace the onward movement of animals which are exported from Ireland via another EU Member State to a third country such as Pakistan.

Once appropriate animal health and welfare certification requirements are met, dogs, including greyhounds, may be exported. Exporters are also required to comply with the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No 1 of 2005 on the protection of animals during transport.

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 within Bord na gCon’s Code of Practice. I fully endorse this view.