16 Tracks
The greyhound racing industry in the Republic of Ireland is regulated and promoted by the commercial semi-state body the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB). There are currently 16 IGB licensed greyhound racing tracks in the country. As of the end of 2015, there were 3,351 greyhounds in the pool of racing dogs.1
In the Republic of Ireland the greyhound racing industry receives government funding through the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund. Between 2001 through 2019 nearly €250 million will have been paid out to the IGB from this Fund.2
A greyhound falls while racing at Curraheen Park. (Curraheen Park)
Caged dogs at a greyhound kennel in Ireland. (Greyhound-Data)
Puppies bred for racing in Ireland. (Greyhound-Data)
Emily the greyhound was a former racer found abused and abandoned. (The Irish Sun)
Protesters against greyhound racing at the Curraheen track in Ireland. (Ban Blood Sports)
The majority of greyhounds racing in Ireland are bred in the country. In 2013, there were 2,520 litters registered in the Irish Greyhound Stud Book, a decrease of 41% since 2006.3
The IGB has Racing Regulations that include rules for betting and prize money, doping policies and requirements for racing officials.4 Additionally, the Irish government passed the Welfare of Greyhounds Act in 2011 that sets standards for certain greyhound breeding operations and general welfare requirements for housing, transport and record keeping.5
Wagering on greyhound racing is legal in Ireland. In 2017 the turnover, or amount bet by gamblers, at the IGB licensed tracks was €22.4 million.6 Since 2006, the turnover has declined by 64.7%.7
On June 26, 2019, RTÉ News aired a program entitled RTÉ Investigates: Greyhounds Running For Their Lives. The investigation revealed that nearly 6,000 Irish greyhounds are killed each year.8 In addition, according to an IGB-commissioned report that was completed in 2017, the Irish greyhound industry breeds 1,000% more puppies than it needs to conduct racing.9 The program also highlighted the merciless killing of unwanted greyhounds at Irish knackeries or slaughterhouses, drugging dogs to fix races, track injuries and deaths.10
Learn more about dog racing in other countries
Read our International Fact Sheet (PDF)
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