Demands Grow For Ireland To Ban Exports Of Irish Greyhounds To China

Protests have taken place around the world to stop the exportation of Irish Greyhounds to countries which do not have sufficient animal welfare protection, in particular Macau, China. Mick Barry TD (Member of the Irish Parliament), who was elected for the People Before Profit–Anti-Austerity Alliance group for the Cork North–Central constituency in the 2016 Irish general election has raised the issue in Dáil Éireann (Assembly of Ireland). Yesterday (June 14) he questioned the Taoiseach (head of Irish government) on what plans if any there was for the government to introduce legislation to ban the export of greyhounds. Mick Barry has called on campaigners to keep the pressure on to end the cruel practise. See link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiiLVyPRoxY

As reported in a recent article in the Irish Post newspaper there have been growing demands for Ireland to ban the export of Irish greyhounds to the notorious Canidrome racetrack in Macau. The Canidrome race ground has a reputation as the worst place in the world for greyhounds. The animals are kept in poor conditions with estimations of up to 30 dogs being killed there every month. Dogs who become ill, injured or fail to be placed in five consecutive races, are put to death. 

There are currently 20,000 greyhounds bred in Ireland every year, many for export. Campaigners are calling on Ireland to follow the example of Australia who for many years were the main exporter of greyhounds to Macau. Australia banned the export of greyhounds to China in 2013 after a lengthy campaign by animal rights activists.