The Irish greyhound industry “has become a financial basket case”, according to Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns.
The Social Democrats has this morning (Wednesday, November 25) brought a motion to the Dáil to oppose increased funding for Irish greyhound racing and is calling on the government to phase out state support for the sector.
- Refocus greyhound racing funding to the welfare of dogs impacted by breeding and racing associated with the industry;
- Phase out state support for the Irish greyhound industry by 2025.
In 2021, greyhound racing in Ireland will benefit to the tune of €19.2 million from state funding.
Speaking this morning, party spokesperson on agriculture deputy Cairns said that the motion “presents a moral argument…public opinion has turned on the greyhound racing industry”.
“There has been a dramatic fall in attendance, sponsors are withdrawing, companies and organisations are choosing not to hold social and charity events in greyhound stadiums,” the Cork South-West TD said.
The industry is rapidly declining – its days are numbered, and rightly so. The industry is a loss-making industry, that is hugely unpopular with the general public.
“Former trainers and owners have not only highlighted issues within the industry, but have expressed no confidence in its capacity to change.
“The ISPCA [Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals] has stopped engaging with the industry because it does not believe [it is] serious about reform.
“The public do not want their money to support this industry anymore.”
‘A financial basket case’
Deputy Cairns said the industry has “become a financial basket case and is being kept alive by generous state subventions each year”.
In the middle of a pandemic, when there isn’t money available for things like domestic violence refuge spaces or disability support services, the government not only continues to fund greyhound racing, but actually increases the level of funding for the sector.
“It is impossible for people to understand why the government continues to fund this and has now increased funding.”
Stay tuned to AgriLand for further coverage of this.