The Irish Department of Agriculture intends to seek legal reform to give the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) the power to prevent the export of dogs to countries with poor animal welfare standards, according to a report from The Sunday Times.
Currently Irish authorities do not have the legal powers to penalize greyhound owners and breeders for selling their dogs to territories with low welfare standards. However, after a meeting between the IGB, the Irish Coursing Club, the Dogs Trust and the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals last week, it is likely that a new law will emerge to empower the body to act on such matters.
During last week’s meeting, the Irish Department of Agriculture agreed to a revision of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act before the year’s close, says The Sunday Times.
The amendment will mean that anyone intending to export greyhounds from Ireland will need a new document that combines the existing greyhound identity card and the EU pet passport. The new document will only be issued if the dog is bound for a country or territory that meets certain Irish animal welfare criteria.
Providing that the greyhound’s final destination is among the approved territories list as per the new criteria, the IGB would then give the animal exporter the necessary authorization to proceed. Exporting without approval or the appropriate documentation will constitute an offence under the amended law.
The revision may prove to be the final blow to the Macau (Yat Yuen) Canidrome, if the MSAR does not make the list of approved territories. The Canidrome, in the face of the restricted supply of Australian greyhounds, is increasingly relying on imports from Ireland.
Albano Martins, president of Anima (Macau) told the Times last week that Ireland is one of only a few countries whose live animal exports meet certain health requirements. Consequently greyhounds from Ireland can circumvent a lengthy quarantine process when entering the territory.
Greyhounds from other territories can face up to six months in quarantine before they are delivered to their final destination, a situation that Martins concludes “is not a viable option for the Canidrome.” DB
Canidrome cuts on races
“The Canidrome decided on a reduction from 18 to 12 on the number of races per event,” the Anima (Macau) association told the Times. According to Macau.com, there are five events per week. The reduction, which will be in force as soon as June this year, is a direct effect of the boycott to the import of greyhounds, specifically from the last shipment that was supposed to arrive in the territory from Ireland.
I wouldn’t believe a word they say.
A headline this week said “Well-being of dogs iis Irish Greyhound Board’s top priority’. Yet the Irish Coursing Club issued the following Directives, Instructions and Guidance Notes Issued by the Executive Committee of the Irish Coursing Club to Club Secretaries, Control Stewards Judges and Slippers”?
“Do not give away unwanted greyhounds. It is far better to put them painlessly to sleep.”
Providing that the greyhound’s final destination is among the approved territories list as per the new criteria, the IGB would then give the animal exporter the necessary authorization to proceed. Exporting without approval or the appropriate documentation will constitute an offence under the amended law.
Does this include Spain, they treat them way worse than in Macau.?
Currently it is the responsibility of the Irish Department of Agriculture to issue Export Licences – so this Department should take responsibility for preventing the export of greyhounds to countries with lower welfare standards than Ireland.
Why legislate for a scheme that could be abused whereby a greyhound without tattoos or registered as retired – and thereby not under the control of the IGB – could be exported?
Regardless – it’s very encouraging to read that the Canidrome will have to reduce the number of races held due to the lack of imported greyhounds.
The Irish Department of Agriculture need to finds some morals and compassion. Legislate. End of. Do not give this power to the IGB – they are already up to their necks in long term animal abuse. IGB are the Greyhound Death Squad. Anybody else would be prosecuted for what they do.
Global shame, shame, shame on you Irish department of Agriculture. You are complicit in abuse, premeditated cruelty, suffering and death of these dogs.
It’s encouraging to read that the canidrome is falling upon hard times. I feel sad for the dogs that must suffer the horrendous conditions in that hell hole. And, I despise those who trade death for profit. Conversely, we’ve heard before that the canidrome could potentially face closing, only to see it somehow carry on. So, I am cautiously optimistic that this disgusting place will close (sooner than later).
I don’t understand. Why are they talking about giving power to the Irish Greyhound Board? So they can police themselves? Crazy!
It makes more sense to have the Irish Government (whichever arm is responsible) to make the laws and ban [exports of] greyhounds to China. Howell, at least it’s being addressed.
Macau – please do the right thing. Do not allow your name to be tarnished and stained by being the home of The Canidrome, which has become synonymous with animal cruelty worldwide. The World watches and waits and the outcry grows stronger!