Ireland should follow the Welsh government’s lead by moving to ban greyhound racing, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly.
Deputy Farrelly, who is the party’s spokesperson on sport, said:
“Ireland is one of only seven countries in the world where commercial greyhound racing is still legal.
“Inexplicably, this so-called sport continues to receive millions in taxpayers’ money through the Horse and Greyhound Fund. In Budget 2025, almost €20 million was allocated to prop up the dying greyhound industry, which has been in decline for years and does not enjoy public support – largely due to animal welfare concerns.
“While it is accepted there are breeders and trainers who love and care for their dogs, they are operating within an industry where animal abuse, injuries, fatalities, overbreeding and culls are rampant. Thousands of dogs have been bred and then destroyed simply because they were not fast enough.
“The Social Democrats have consistently called for funding for greyhound racing to be phased out. The money squandered on bailing out the industry could be spent on other sports which are crying out for funding across the country, or for critically underfunded animal welfare charities.
“Now that our nearest neighbour Wales has outlined plans for an outright ban on greyhound racing, the Irish Government should follow suit.”
February 19, 2025