Calls for investigation after 202 greyhounds died racing in Ireland last year
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A shocking 202 greyhounds died while racing in Ireland last year.
The figures were disclosed by Senator Chris Andrews in the Seanad. He is now demanding a full independent investigation into the €19 million of taxpayers money given to Greyhound Racing Ireland every year. He is now demanding a full independent investigation into the €19 million of taxpayers money given to Greyhound Racing Ireland every year.
He said: "I did not realise that 5% of all racing greyhounds are dead by the time the race is over or shortly afterrealise that 5% of all racing greyhounds are dead by the time the race is over or shortly after. In 2024, 202 dogs died racing. Some €19 million of taxpayers money is going to the greyhound industry every year.
"In 2019, Prime Time highlighted that 6,000 greyhounds died because they did not run fast enough. The death rate is as high today as it was then.
"Traceability is an absolute shambles." The Dublin-based Sinn Fein Senator was speaking after attending a presentation by Working Animal Guardians, namely Greyhound Action Ireland, Greyhound Awareness Cork, and Ban Bloodsports.
Senator Andrews told how in March 2021, there was a commitment given that there would be four care homes set up for greyhounds – but only two have been set up since then. He said: "In 2024 those two care centres got €291,000. Do you know how many they rehomed? Thirty six dogs were rehomed.
"This means the cost of rehoming a greyhound by these care homes works out at €8,000. It makes the bike shelter look like good value."
He added: "This is where €19 million in greyhound funding is going. This funding needs to be investigated independently."
Mr Andrews demanded Agriculture Minister Martin Heydon attend the Seanad to explain what is going on and for an independent investigation to be set up. He said: "I ask that there be an investigation and we have the minister in to discuss it. You can not make this stuff up. Rescues do a lot better.
"There were reports recently that a kennel in Roscommon was raided and 50 dogs removed because of the shocking condition they were in. There are so many issues we are failing dogs and animals on."
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