The Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has welcomed the
public response to its confidential Greyhound Care Line during its first full
month of operations.
The Care Line was one of a range of measures agreed
at a special Board meeting in June and was implemented on July 12th.
To date, five separate cases are currently under
investigation by the IGB’s Welfare Department as a direct result of complaints
received by the care line; with two further cases being looked into by the
Irish Coursing Club (ICC) and a local authority.
Eight cases that have been investigated by IGB
Welfare Officers are now closed, with one ‘Fixed Payment Notice’ issued as a
result of those investigations.
Welfare Manager with the Irish Greyhound Board,
Barry Coleman, commented: “We thank the members of the public who have been in
touch with us regarding genuine greyhound welfare concerns. Reports received by
the public have been, and will continue to be, followed up by a member of the
IGB’s welfare team, which has the power to carry out unannounced inspections
and act under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011. We would emphasise to people
the importance of only contacting the Care Line for genuine care and welfare
concerns. We will continue to work with any and all agencies to eradicate any
cruelty or poor animal welfare practices within the greyhound industry.”
The recorded phone line, on 061 448100, treats all
information received confidentially and is available 24/7. Complaints can also
be emailed to [email protected]
