The Irish Greyhound Board have issued guidance to their industry in the event of a ‘No deal Brexit’
It reads:
Owners and trainers advised to prepare for potential changes to the movement of racing greyhounds in the event of a no-deal Brexit
Greyhound owners and trainers across Ireland are being advised to prepare for potential changes to the movement of racing greyhounds between Ireland and the UK, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
The Irish Greyhound Board has been consistently engaging with the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine (DAFM) on the issue, with further consultations taking place this week. The DAFM has an information note on the event of a no-deal Brexit which can be viewed here: www.agriculture.gov.ie/brexit/preparingforbrexit/pettravel/
From these consultations, it has been established that the requirements for a greyhound to be microchipped and to have an EU pet passport which certifies vaccinations against rabies will not change.
Owners and trainers intending to race greyhounds in upcoming UK events are advised to ensure that rabies vaccinations, as certified on the pet passport, are in date. In addition, a rabies titration test, i.e. a blood test, at least 30 days after vaccination is required. Owners and trainers are advised to consult with a veterinary surgeon in relation to the testing procedure.
Furthermore, a greyhound returning from the UK to Ireland in a ‘no deal’ scenario will require to be treated for tapeworms by a vet from one to five days before their re-entry date. Any greyhound going to the UK will have to be treated and certified by a veterinary surgeon in Ireland before travelling to the UK, only being allowed to return to Ireland up to a maximum of five days post treatment.
Advance notification of returning to Ireland with racing greyhounds from the UK in a ‘no deal’ scenario will need to by given to the DAFM via email.
Denis Healy, Veterinary Director with the Irish Greyhound Board, commented: “There is going to be change throughout almost all sectors in Ireland in a post-Brexit scenario. The greyhound industry is no different. Engaging with stakeholders throughout the industry on Brexit, as the IGB and the Department has been doing, is helping address the uncertainty within the industry and deliver on a workable framework should Brexit happen. In any possible Brexit deal, a ‘lead in’ period to the imposition of any new regulations will be required for Irish greyhound owners and trainers to be fully compliant with the requirements in the short term.”
213 greyhounds raced in the UK before returning to race in Ireland in 2018.
