Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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373. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the fact that an Irish greyhound that is believed to have suffered whippings has been rescued from Spain; if he will recommend an end to exports to Spain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49006/19]

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Bord na gCon is a commercial state body, established under the Greyhound Industry Act, 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry.  Bord na gCon is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.  

Bord na gCon have informed me that they unreservedly condemn cruelty to any greyhound. They are aware of this case, and have confirmed that the greyhound’s Irish owner had complied with the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 in the sale of the greyhound.

The movement of all breeds of dogs, including greyhounds, between EU member states is currently set at a European level rather than as a national measure in isolation. Bord na gCon continues to advise owners to only export to destinations that provide the expected levels of greyhound welfare through its Code of Practice which is monitored and updated regularly.

Bord na gCon have stated they will continue to do everything possible within their remit to prevent exports of greyhounds to countries that do not have acceptable animal welfare regimes.