Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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444. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on ensuring that Ireland does not export greyhounds to countries in which the welfare standards are poor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17670/18]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The movement of all dogs between Member States is currently governed by European legislation. 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. 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.

The position is that once animal health and welfare certification requirements, and the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No 1 of 2005 on the protection of animals during transport, are met, dogs, including greyhounds, may be moved within the EU or exported to a non-EU country.

The main destination for Irish dogs and greyhounds moved abroad continues to be the UK.

Bord na gCon has informed me that while it has no control of events outside the jurisdiction of Ireland and has no statutory function regarding the regulation of greyhound exports, it does however continue to advise 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.