Animal welfare | Greyhound probe launched in Australia

Greyhound authorities in New South Wales, Australia have charged 179 owners and trainers with breaches of regulations concerning the export of dogs to Macau, which has been banned since 2013 by its principal body, Greyhound Racing NSW.
An inquiry launched by the body late last year brought to the attention of authorities suspected unauthorized exports to Macau. Should the accused be  found guilty, trainers and owners involved will face fines, suspensions and even possible disqualification from the sport.
Macau’s Yat Yuen Canidrome Company has increasingly eyed Irish greyhounds as its supply from Australia has dried up; a process that was expedited last year when major freight airlines joined a boycott over the export of such dogs bound for the MSAR.
A recent shipment of 24 Irish greyhounds destined for Macau was stopped during transit at Manchester Airport in the U.K.
“We are aware of reports concerning 24 greyhounds being exported from Ireland to Macau via Manchester,” said the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) in a statement.
“GBGB does not advocate the export of greyhounds to jurisdictions where welfare standards cannot be verified and will take the appropriate action against persons that knowingly supply greyhounds to such countries,” informed the organization.
A related meeting held recently between representatives of the Irish greyhound industry, Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and members of the International Greyhound Forum, came to the conclusion that Irish authorities have no jurisdiction outside of Ireland in terms of animal welfare and supervision. DB