Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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942. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to intervene and establish strict regulations for greyhound owners with regard to exporting dogs to countries in which they have been documented as suffering abuse and cruelty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46657/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Trade within the EU of dogs, including greyhounds, is governed by EU law. 

Under EU law, dogs moved to another EU country from Ireland must be accompanied by an EU pet passport, be microchipped, and have a valid rabies vaccination. 

Also under EU law, a premises exporting dogs must be registered with my Department.  Before travel, dogs must undergo a clinical examination by an authorised veterinarian, who must verify that the animals show no obvious signs of disease and are fit to be transported.  Dogs must also have a health certificate issued by a Department veterinarian.  Exporters must comply with EU law on the protection of animals during transport.

This ensures that only healthy dogs, over the age of 15 weeks, are allowed to be exported. 

Officials of my Department have met with Bord na gCon and with the welfare members of the International Greyhound Forum, which includes the Dogs Trust and the ISPCA, to consider issues around the export of greyhounds. Bord na gCon is also a member of this Forum.

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 its Code of Practice. I fully endorse this view. 

Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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943. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his plans to allow external welfare officers or welfare officers appointed from his Department to inspect greyhound kennels in view of the fact that to date the welfare officers are appointed by the IGB which is not a transparent system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46658/17]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The IGB officers are being appointed to assist the work of authorised officers of my Department in the animal welfare area. I am satisfied that the IGB officers have the requisite experience.