The Irish Greyhound Owners And Breeders Federation representing Galway, Kerry, Limerick and Clare, Northern (Brandywell and Drumbo), Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford Greyhound Owners and Breeders Associations unreservedly condemns animal cruelty and illegal practices and we expect the highest standards of welfare for greyhounds at all times.
However we do not accept that the vast majority of greyhound owners and indeed the wider greyhound industry were not portrayed in a fair and balanced light in the RTE Investigates programme which was broadcast last week. The programme contained many inaccuracies and omissions and it also featured stories of cruelty that happened over a decade ago and also horrendous stories of cruelty that did not even happen in Ireland.
In our opinion it was a programme that was heavily biased towards the Animal Extremist agenda. Our dogs come first. This is our mantra, our way of thinking, our heritage, our life and our reason to get up in the morning. Greyhound people will not be found wanting. The IGOBF intends to work closely with trainers, stud keepers, transporters, greyhound vets and rehoming groups and we are already in the process of bringing forward new welfare/rehoming initiatives to our Irish Greyhound Board.
In the coming weeks we expect a massive Anti campaign to try and blacken the good name of all greyhound owners. Indeed Maureen O’ Sullivan, Independent T.D. has already kicked it off when she claimed; “The majority of greyhound owners are abusive towards animals “ How wrong she is!
The greyhound people are the salt of the earth and love their greyhounds like family. We urge all greyhound owners to speak well of our sport. Stand up for our heritage and do not allow the Antis the opportunity to gain ground with their shaming and bullying tactics. We can fix the problems and we will fix them together.
Ni neart go chur le cheile (Unity is strength)
Pat O’Neill Chairperson of the Irish Greyhound Owners and Breeders Federation Theresa Holohan Vice Chairperson, Helen Morris Secretary, Al Hanley Treasurer and Padjoe Dorney PRO.
