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 more than €250 million will have been paid out to the IGB from this Fund.2
The majority of greyhounds racing in Ireland are bred in the country. In 2019, there were 2,324 litters registered in the Irish Greyhound Stud Book, a decrease of 23% since 2010.3
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
From 2015 through 2019, 1,891 greyhounds suffered injuries and 618 greyhounds were killed at Irish tracks.6
Wagering on greyhound racing is legal in Ireland. In 2018 the turnover, or amount bet by gamblers, at the IGB licensed tracks was €23.7 million.7 Since 2010, the turnover has declined by 28%.8
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.9 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.10 The program also highlighted the merciless killing of unwanted greyhounds at Irish knackeries or slaughterhouses, drugging dogs to fix races, track injuries and deaths.11
Rewarding Cruelty: Greyhound Racing in Ireland
(November 2019)
Learn about the cruelty and corruption of dog racing in the Emerald Isle in our groundbreaking report.
You may read this report online or for a donation of $10, we will send an official copy right to you.
Learn more about dog racing in other countries
Read our International Fact Sheet (PDF)
Irish Greyhound Board - Suspension of greyhound racing and new COVID-19 greyhound care payment scheme
Irish Greyhound Board - COVID 19 UPDATE: RACING BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
The Irish Post - Fresh calls for ban on government funding for greyhound racing after dogs found in cramped cages without food or water
Irish Times - BAI rejects complaint by Irish Greyhound Board over RTÉ documentary
Read more >
CAUTION CONTAINS GRUESOME FOOTAGE!
RTE Investigates: Greyhounds Running for Their Lives
Irish Adoption Groups
Ireland Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Greyhound Rescue Association Ireland
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