Labour Party leader, Alan Kelly, and his predecessor Brendan Howlin are putting pressure on the government to allow cruel greyhound racing to resume – this despite them being aware that thousands of dogs are mercilessly killed every year in greyhound racing, including dogs shot in the head and dumped in skips.
In a Dail question this week, Alan Kelly TD asked Agriculture Minister, Michael Creed “if he was requested by persons in government or in a Department or NPHET to give his views on when greyhound racing should recommence here; if so, the way in which he was requested; if so, the person or persons that made the request; and his response to same”
As reported last week, in pushing for a resumption of greyhound racing, Alan Kelly TD (Tipperary) repeated a false claim from the Irish Greyhound Board that “greyhound racing successfully complied with all COVID-19 protocols when it was operated on a closed-door basis during March this year”.
Quoted on the Tipperary Live website, Deputy Kelly stated: “The plans to allow horse racing meetings resume behind closed doors from June 8th while not allowing greyhound racing meetings to go ahead from that date in similar circumstances is just baffling and the government needs to explain it. Greyhound racing successfully complied with all COVID-19 protocols when it was operated on a closed-door basis during March this year. It is very difficult to understand why greyhound racing isn’t being assessed as being capable of operating behind closed doors given that the industry has done more work in their stadiums to meet the necessary protocol. Greyhound Racing is one of the safest sports as it is based on one man one dog so therefore social distancing can very easily be maintained.”
Before repeating the IGB’s false claim, Deputy Kelly had been told about video evidence on the Irish Greyhound Board website which shows track staff and greyhound owners/trainers blatantly ignoring social distancing guidelines in March. The footage also shows individuals in near-empty stands shoulder-to-shoulder watching races – see video stills at https://www.flickr.com/photos/icabs/albums/72157713579485482
Brendan Howlin TD (Wexford) – the Labour Party leader before Alan Kelly – also questioned Minister Creed about the resumption of greyhound racing, asking “if he has received submissions from an association in relation to the reopening of greyhound racing; if he plans to proceed at the same pace as horse racing; and if he will make a statement on the matter“.
In the past four years, Deputy Howlin has voted in favour of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations which granted €80 million/€80 million/€84 million/€84 million of taxpayers’ money to horse and greyhound racing.
A third Labour Party TD, Seán Sherlock joined Alan Kelly and Brendan Howlin in questioning the Minister. The Cork East TD who has declared in the past that he is “in favour of field sports and coursing” asked Minister Creed this week “when it will be permitted to allow greyhound racing again under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business”.
The Labour Party is continuing to back the nasty greyhound “industry”, despite all the recent revelations about cruelty and killing. As highlighted by “RTE Investigates: Greyhounds Running For Their Lives”, around 6,000 greyhounds are killed every year simply because they are not fast enough to win races. The programme featured shocking scenes of greyhounds being delivered to a knackery where they were SHOT IN THE HEAD and dumped in a skip.
“This should be reason enough for you and the Labour Party to update your inadequate animal welfare policies to include support for a ban on greyhound racing,” we stated in an email to Alan Kelly TD. “This would be widely welcomed by the public, the majority of whom were disgusted at the content of the RTE documentary.”
The disturbing content of the RTE programme led to:
– Failte Ireland ending its promotion of greyhound racing due to fears that it is damaging Ireland’s reputation as a tourist destination,
– Multiple companies withdrawing sponsorship, including Barry’s Tea and FBD Insurance.
– Numerous companies removing greyhound racing from their websites (including, most recently, Eir Sport, Dublin Bus and Air France which deleted Shelbourne Park from 44 of its international websites)
– Protests outside tracks and boycotts of racing.
A RED C opinion poll conducted in September showed that a two thirds majority want the government to stop the massive state grants that are propping up the cruel, dog-killing activity.
ACTION ALERT
Contact Alan Kelly TD and urge him to update the Labour Party’s inadequate animal welfare policies to include support for a ban on greyhound racing, hare coursing and foxhunting.
Alan Kelly TD
Leader, Labour Party
Tel: 067 34190
Email: alan.kelly@oir.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alankellytd/
Twitter: @alankellylabour
Complain to the Labour Party and Deputies Brendan Howlin and Sean Sherlock about their support for greyhound racing.
The leader of the Labour Party, Alan Kelly TD, is being urged to withdraw a statement he issued in which he claims that “greyhound racing successfully complied with all Covid 19 protocols when it was operated on a closed-door basis during March this year”. Deputy Kelly, who is pushing for racing to resume, has been told that the claim is completely FALSE. https://www.facebook.com/banbloodsports/photos/a.463548137094083/2935736796541859
Faithful farmers forge unlikely friendships with foxes
RTE Six One News, Thursday, 28 May 2020
By Tomás O Mainnín
Video Journalist
Some unusual friendships have developed between a number of Co Offaly farmers and wild foxes, largely due to restrictions associated with Covid-19.
Retired dairy farmer Tony Bergin is cocooning at home near Roscrea.
A wild fox began visiting his home over two months ago, and since then, the trust and friendship between the two has developed.
Now every evening after his tea, the 90-year-old brings food out to the yard to the fox.
After a few whistles and calling him, the fox appears.
The friendship has developed to the point that the fox now takes the food from his lap.
Mr Bergin said that he has been cocooned at home for over two months and that the fox has broken the boredom for him.
“I’m really glad that this happened, and I look forward every evening to the fox’s visit,” he said. “He comes nearly every evening when I call him.”
The fox has been named after the virus that forged the relationship.
“I call him Covi, after Covid-19, and I hope he doesn’t get it or give it to me,” Mr Bergin joked.
Near Shannon Harbour in the Faithful County, farmer Martin Guinan is raising two orphaned fox cubs.
The organic farmer has been feeding them three times daily for the past two months.
He said that the restrictions of Covid-19 has given him a better appreciation of his natural surroundings.
“With the restrictions, people are now noticing their surroundings more and more.
“Before this, I wouldn’t have given much heed to two fox cubs one way or another. But now I find that I’m more alert to nature and my surroundings.”
Mr Guinan said that the fox cubs were very small when he first saw them, but that they are now growing strong.
“I really love watching them grow, it’s really fascinating to see their individual personalities develop, but I’m careful not to get too close and respect their wild nature,” he added.
The siblings have been named Rocky and Ivy after the area where they were discovered.
Please join us in urging politicians to save foxes from foxhunting cruelty by banning the bloodsport. Foxhunting is completely unacceptable in modern Ireland and a majority want it stopped. A RED C opinion poll, commissioned by the Irish Council Against Blood Sports, shows that a 77% majority agree that the Irish Government should ban foxhunting. The poll found that just 12 per cent disagree with a ban on foxhunting.
Contact the leaders of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, Sinn Fein, Labour Party and the Green Party to tell them that you want fox hunting and all bloodsports banned.
If you are a landowner, make your land off-limits to hunters. Find out more about how to do this on our Farmers/Landowners Page – http://www.banbloodsports.com/farmers.htm Encourage all land-owning friends and family members in the countryside to show compassion and make their land a haven for wildlife.
Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein TD, Eoin Ó Broin, has this week questioned the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed about “the regulations in place to ensure that pets abused by owners are protected” and called for a review into the animal breeding and ownership legislation.
In response, Minister Creed revealed that since 2014, just “seven persons have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment”, with four of these sentences being.
Read the full Dail question and answer below.
Dail Question, Wednesday, 20 May 2020 Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Animal Welfare
Eoin Ó Broin (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein): To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the regulations in place to ensure that pets abused by owners are protected; and if he will conduct a review of the animal breeding and ownership legislation. [5953/20]
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael): The Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 provides a modern framework for applying standards in the area of animal health and welfare. The Act was passed, after a lengthy and constructive debate in both Houses of the Oireachtas and came into operation on 6 March 2014 and replaced a number of enactments dating back over a century. The Act is kept under constant review within my Department and, indeed, was amended last Summer by the Greyhound Racing Act 2019.
The Act applies to the welfare of all animals, including those kept as pets.
My policy and the policy of the Government has always been clear and consistent. Where instances of abuse, cruelty or neglect of animals are encountered, evidence is gathered and those responsible are prosecuted through the Courts.
Investigations are carried out by authorised officers of my Department, An Garda Síochána, Customs and Excise and authorised officers of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. In addition, the chief executive of each local authority may appoint authorised officers to exercise functions under the Act in the functional area of the local authority concerned.
Since the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 came into operation in March 2014, over 100 cases have been prosecuted through the Courts. Fines in excess of €60,000 have been imposed. Seven persons have been sentenced to a term of imprisonment; these sentences were suspended in four cases. The Probation Act was applied in eight instances.
Sixteen persons have been disqualified from keeping animals under section 58 of the Act.
A number of cases remain before the Courts and further files have been sent to the Chief State Solicitor with a view to be instituting proceedings; other files are currently being examined in my Department with a view to pursuing a prosecution.
I would encourage anyone who has evidence of a breach of animal welfare to report it to the Animal Welfare Hotline operated by my Department. The phone numbers of the hotline are as follows: Call Save: 076 1064408 Phone: 01 6072379
Details of suspected breaches of animal welfare can also be emailed to animalwelfare@agriculture.gov.ie.
Pro-bloodsports Tipperary TDs, Jackie Cahill and Michael Lowry, have joined Labour leader, Alan Kelly, in shamefully pushing for a re-opening of greyhound tracks.
The calls from the two TDs this week come despite the fact that breaches of strict COVID-19 social distancing guidelines occurred at tracks around the country. After publishing evidence of the breaches on its own website, the Irish Greyhound Board continued to falsely claim that racing “complied with all Covid 19 protocols” before being forced to shut down on 24 March.
Jackie Cahill, who the Irish Independent revealed in 2016 “has an interest in greyhound racing, owns several race hounds and is on the committee of Thurles Greyhound Stadium”, repeated the claim this week. In a statement published on the Fianna Fail website, he maintained that “the greyhound sector has played its part during this pandemic and FULLY ADHERED TO ALL THE PUBLIC HEALTH ADVICE AND RESTRICTIONS.”
“The greyhound industry are very disappointed that the date for the resumption of dog racing has not been brought forward like that of horse racing,” Cahill stated in the Dail on Thursday during a discussion on “Outbreaks of Covid-19 in Meat Processing Plants”. “We welcome the fact that horse racing is set to resume behind closed doors on 8 June, but managers of dog tracks around the country assure me they can adhere to social distancing. They cannot understand why at this juncture they have been divorced from the horse racing industry. I would like, Minister, if that the decision would be reviewed and that dog racing could resume on the same date as horse racing.”
Michael Lowry TD also urged Minister Creed to allow greyhound racing to resume, claiming that greyhound racing – which the public is increasingly rejecting due to revelations about cruelty and killing – is “an important pastime”.
“I have made submissions [to the Minister] in respect of lifting the restrictions on the greyhound sector,” he said. “This is a particularly important business and pastime in rural Ireland. All the protocols and procedures are in place for a safe reopening of our greyhound racing tracks. I am satisfied that the Minister and his officials understand the necessity to reopen greyhound activities as soon as possible.”
Responding, Minister Creed stated: “I am aware – and we have spoken previously about the latter issue [greyhound racing]. It’s a statement of fact that every sector that is subject to the strictures of the road map that has been published is anxious to have the white flag raised at an earlier date. I am aware of the interests of the greyhound sector in that regard. I do not want to mislead anybody and it is not an easy ask but we are engaged with the sector and I will keep the Deputy informed of developments.”
In correspondence to Agriculture Minister Michael Creed, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Health Minister Simon Harris, ICABS urged them not to allow greyhound racing to resume under any circumstances. We told them that greyhound racing cannot be trusted and brought to their attention shocking video footage posted on the IGB site showing track staff and greyhound owners/trainers blatantly ignoring the government’s social distancing advice to maintain a 2-metre distance from each other. Stadium staff could be seen standing next to each other and individuals in near-empty stands shoulder-to-shoulder watching dogs running by. See: https://www.flickr.com/photos/icabs/albums/72157713579485482
There were multiple breaches of the COVID-19 guidelines after races finished when greyhound owners and trainers rush in to retrieve their dogs. The IGB attempted to hide this, with the video swiftly panning away. For some races, however, it was possible to see up to six greyhound trainers crowding in together to grab dogs.
There are fears that some of this reckless behaviour at greyhound races may have contributed to the spread of the coronavirus in surrounding communities.
Also highlighted to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister Creed was the public’s disgust that, despite the risks involved and mounting concerns about the spread of the coronavirus, greyhound racing insisted on continuing up until as close as possible to the 12 midnight deadline on 24th March. On the evening following Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s announcement that “all sporting events are cancelled, including those behind closed doors”, 20 races proceeded at Shelbourne Park and Tralee tracks.
This was nearly 4 weeks after an Ireland-Japan networking event scheduled to take place at Shelbourne Park greyhound stadium was cancelled by its organisers who said the cancellation was due to “the recent outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19″.
There are now renewed calls on the government to withdraw funding from the Irish Greyhound Board. The IGB has received €16.8 million of taxpayers’ money for 2020 at a time when struggling health bodies, homeless shelters, community groups, animal rescue centres, etc are crying out for support.
SEE ALSO
The leader of the Labour Party, Alan Kelly TD, is being urged to withdraw a statement he issued in which he claims that “greyhound racing successfully complied with all Covid 19 protocols when it was operated on a closed-door basis during March this year”. Deputy Kelly, who is pushing for racing to resume, has been told that the claim is completely FALSE.
Another €16.8 million of scarce public funds has been approved for greyhound racing for 2020. Since 2001, greyhound racing has received more than a quarter of a billion euros of taxpayers’ money. Please contact your local TDs and demand that they vote against this funding. Visit the Oireachtas website for contact details for TDs https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/tds/?term=/ie/oireachtas/house/dail/33
Urge the leaders of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and Labour (who back the grants every year) to stop the funding.
Please support our campaign with a donation https://www.paypal.me/banbloodsports JACKIE CAHILL, MICHAEL LOWRY, ALAN KELLY AND ANIMAL CRUELTY ISSUES
Jackie Cahill TD (Fianna Fail, Tipperary)
In June 2016, Jackie Cahill was among the 114 TDs who voted against Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan’s bill which sought to ban cruel hare coursing.
In 2016 and 2019, voted in favour of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations which granted €80 million/€84 million of taxpayers’ money to horse and greyhound racing.
“Fianna Fáil TD Jackie Cahill said there is a concern that the ban on greyhound racing or coursing would then be followed by a ban on point-to-point horse racing and then live animal exports.” from Ministers clash over the ban on hare coursing, Irish Independent, October 8 2019.
“Fianna Fáil supports this motion. Both industries have attracted a lot of negative publicity in recent months. We should not lose sight of the importance of these two industries to our economy as a whole. The €80 million is money well spent.” Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations 2016, 14 December 2016.
“I would not support such a motion” in reply to an ICABS email asking if he would support an anti-bloodsports council motion. 12th September 2014.
In 2010, ICABS expressed disgust to the Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers Association after its president Jackie Cahill referred to cruel carted deerhunting as a “humane country activity” and claimed that the ban on the Ward Union deer hunt is “unwanted, uncalled for, unfair and unprecedented in terms of the bias it represents against traditional country pursuits”. The comments were made in an April 2nd statement headed “Minister Gormley should ‘cop-on’ and drop Wildlife Bill”. “The President of the country’s second largest farmers’ organisation has given his association’s full support to the RISE [pro-blood sports] campaign against the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010,” the statement said. “We have here a perfect example of Minister Gormley acting on the advice of a tiny but vocal group and banning something that the silent majority know to be a traditional and humane country activity. It is simply not acceptable to have perfectly legitimate pastimes banned.”
According to a March 2016 report in the Irish Independent, Jackie Cahill “has an interest in greyhound racing, owns several race hounds and is on the committee of Thurles Greyhound Stadium.”
In November 2015, Jackie Cahill tweeted a photo of himself “with Chairman Golden Vale Hunt” at a point-to-point race.
During the hare coursing cruelty festival in Clonmel in February 2016, a Jackie Cahill election vehicle was parked directly opposite the Powerstown Park coursing venue.
“I shall now turn to how Covid-19 affects the greyhound industry. The greyhound industry is very disappointed that the date for the resumption of dog racing has not been brought forward like that of horse racing. We welcome the fact that horse racing is to resume behind closed doors on 8 June, but managers of dog tracks throughout the country assure me they can adhere to social distancing. They cannot understand why at this juncture they have been divorced from the horse racing industry. I ask that the decision be reviewed and that dog racing resume on the same date as horse racing.” from Dail Debates, Outbreaks of Covid-19 in Meat Processing Plants: Statements, 21 May 2020. Alan Kelly TD (Labour Party, Tipperary)
In June 2016, Alan Kelly abstained/was not present in the vote on Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan’s bill which sought to ban cruel hare coursing. The bill was defeated by 114 votes to 20 (with the remaining 24 TDs abstaining/not voting).
In March 2013, Alan Kelly TD voted against amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to secure a ban on some of Ireland’s worst acts of cruelty to animals – foxhunting, hare coursing, digging out, terrierwork, ferreting, badger culling, fur farming and the use of animals in circuses.
In 2018, voted in favour of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations which granted €84 million of taxpayers’ money to horse and greyhound racing.
“We are at a critical juncture for the [greyhound] industry. As somebody who supports greyhound owners, trainers and those who act in a very responsible way, I believe we are at a crossroads for the industry and the future of the industry is at stake. For those who participate in it and those who do everything appropriately and properly and look after the welfare of dogs, I would like this industry to be sustainable.” Alan Kelly, Committee of Public Accounts debate, 19 Sept 2019. Michael Lowry TD (Independent, Tipperary)
In June 2016, Michael Lowry was among the 114 TDs who voted against Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan’s bill which sought to ban cruel hare coursing.
In 2016, 2017 and 2018, voted in favour of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations which granted €80 million/€80 million/€84 million of taxpayers’ money to horse and greyhound racing.
“A number of TDs, including Jackie Healy Rae and Michael Lowry, had earlier voiced concern that the Greens’ ban on stag hunting and their dog breeding bill indicated a lack of empathy with country pursuits.” (Sunday Business Post, 04 April 2010)
“After today’s discussion with John Curran Government Chief Whip, I confirmed that I am not in a position to support this Stag Hunting Bill which threatens the future of hunting and coursing in Ireland. In advance of my discussions with the Chief Whip, I consulted with my Independent colleague Jackie Healy Rae T.D. who is equally concerned with the implications of this legislation for rural Ireland. Jackie Healy Rae is taking the same stand as myself on these two Bills. It is my firm intention to vote against the Bill and I will not be deflected from that decision…I represent North Tipperary, a land famous for its long tradition of hunting, coursing, greyhound racing.” Statement from Michael Lowry TD, June 2010
Independent TD, Michael Lowry, voted AGAINST the staghunt ban in June 2010.
In a Dail Question in March 2005, Michael Lowry TD asked the Minister for Agriculture “the number of fur farmers in operation in the State; the value of this type of farming to the economy; the number of fur farmers in each county, and in North Tipperary”.
“I have made submissions to the Minister on lifting the restrictions on the greyhound racing sector. This is a particularly important business and pastime in rural Ireland. All of the protocols and procedures are in place for a safe reopening of our greyhound racing tracks. I am satisfied that the Minister and his officials understand the necessity to reopen greyhound activities as soon as possible. I ask that he expedite this decision in consultation with NPHET. I would like to have the Minister’s views on this matter first.” from Dail Debates, Outbreaks of Covid-19 in Meat Processing Plants: Statements, 21 May 2020.
An exported Irish greyhound rescued from Spain last year remains “COMPLETELY BROKEN MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY”.
In December, a shocking video emerged showing the exported Irish greyhound, identified as Coreys Joy, collapsed exhausted “after being made to run next to a van for 18 miles”.
Kerry Lawrence of rescue group, Birmingham Greyhound Protection, expressed anger at how the greyhound was abused, saying “she was actually being dragged as she was struggling to run. You can see the state of her paws where she was dragged.”
In an update this week, Kerry Lawrence revealed that while the dog is now safe in foster care, she is “completely broken mentally and physically”.
“She has just turned five years old but you would think she is eleven plus,” Kerry commented. “She’s in horrific condition – her body is broken and she can only manage a 10-minute walk, she’s so stiff and sore. Her breathing isn’t great either and she has rotten top teeth.”
Coreys Joy was used in the cruel bloodsport of hare coursing in Ireland before ending up in Spain – a country where greyhounds/galgos are routinely shot, hung from trees and mercilessly thrown down wells to die when they have outlived their usefulness.
“Joy was made to run behind a van in Spain for 18 miles,” Kerry outlines in her update. “The video of her on the table – this was ten minutes after being rescued. Someone in Spain rescued her as soon as the van stopped. She actually bit off a quarter of her own tongue while in the vets. She was covered in sores. She was in Spain over two years and was just passed around and treated like a breeding machine.” Read original post at https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10220127308165480&set=pcb.10220127370247032
According to Birmingham Greyhound Protection, every year hundreds of Irish greyhounds are exported to Spain. They state that all of the Irish greyhounds they have rescued from Spain “have been underweight, with poor body condition and completely mentally broken”.
Previously highlighted was the case of Irish greyhound Josh (racing name “Daddys Cool”) who was also rescued from Spain. The dog was found in “an awful condition” and is believed to have suffered whippings.
More international shame for Ireland thanks to the nasty greyhound industry. A UK animal protection group is reporting this week that an Irish greyhound in “AN AWFUL CONDITION”, who is believed to have suffered whippings, has been rescued from Spain
The Irish owner of a greyhound who was exported to Spain where he is believed to have suffered whippings, “complied with the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 in the sale of the greyhound” – Agriculture Minister Michael Creed responding to a call for exports to Spain to be stopped
Say NO to cruel greyhound racing – don’t attend greyhound races or fundraisers/hen parties/office parties held at greyhound tracks
STOP THE STATE FUNDING FOR GREYHOUND RACING
Another €16.8 million of scarce public funds has been approved for greyhound racing for 2020. Since 2001, greyhound racing has received more than a quarter of a billion euros of taxpayers’ money. Please contact your local TDs and demand that they vote against this funding. Visit the Oireachtas website for contact details for TDs https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/members/tds/?term=/ie/oireachtas/house/dail/32
Contact Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe now and demand an end to state funding to greyhound racing.
An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar
Government Buildings,
Upper Merrion St, Dublin 2
Telephone: +353 (0)1-6194020
Email: taoiseach@taoiseach.gov.ie; leo.varadkar@oireachtas.ie; finegael@finegael.ie
Tweet to: @LeoVaradkar
Leave a comment on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/LeoVaradkar
Paschal Donohoe TD
Minister for Finance
Email: paschal.donohoe@oireachtas.ie; minister@per.gov.ie
Phone: +353 (0)1 6045810
Leave a comment on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/PaschalDonohoe/
Tweet to @Paschald
The views of TDs in the 33rd Dail in relation to hare coursing, foxhunting, greyhound racing and other animal cruelty issues. Please contact TDs and urge them to push for a ban on all activities involving cruelty to animals. If TDs express support for activities involving animal cruelty, please let them know that their stance will affect your future voting decisions.
Roscommon-Galway (3 seats):
Michael Fitzmaurice TD (Independent, Roscommon Galway)
In June 2016, Michael Fitzmaurice was among the 114 TDs who voted against Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan’s bill which sought to ban cruel hare coursing.
In 2016, 2017 and 2019, voted in favour of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations which granted €80 million/€80 million/€84 million of taxpayers’ money to horse and greyhound racing.
“I understand the habitats directive is under review in various countries. What plans is Ireland making to review the habitats directive, given the massive problems it has caused for people living in rural Ireland? Every one of us loves wildlife and loves promoting it, but the sad reality of the habitats directive is that it puts a snipe ahead of a human being and is driving people out of rural Ireland. What submissions has the Government made to balance the weighing scales?” Michael Fitzmaurice, Dáil debate, 24 September 2015.
“To ask the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht in view of the fact that the activities of commercial shoot operators targeting woodcock in the main, particularly in the western counties, are frequently unregulated and the need to regulate the shooting of wild animals and birds in the interest of conservation and sustainability, if she will provide a commencement date for section 36 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 which deals with the licensing and regulation of shoot operators” Dail Question, 22 September 2015
Denis Naughten TD (Independent, Roscommon Galway)
In June 2016, Denis Naughten was among the 114 TDs who voted against Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan’s bill which sought to ban cruel hare coursing.
In 2016, 2017 and 2019, voted in favour of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations which granted €80 million/€80 million/€84 million of taxpayers’ money to horse and greyhound racing.
On 27th March 2013, Denis Naughten supported amendments to the Animal Health and Welfare Bill which sought to outlaw foxhunting, terrierwork, digging-out, ferreting and fur farming.
Claire Kerrane TD (Sinn Féin, Roscommon Galway)
If you are a TD and wish to provide a statement outlining your views on animal cruelty issues, please email it to us at info@banbloodsports.com
The views of TDs in the 33rd Dail in relation to hare coursing, foxhunting, greyhound racing and other animal cruelty issues. Please contact TDs and urge them to push for a ban on all activities involving cruelty to animals. If TDs express support for activities involving animal cruelty, please let them know that their stance will affect your future voting decisions.
Meath West (3 seats):
Damien English TD (Fine Gael, Meath West)
In June 2016, Damien English was among the 114 TDs who voted against Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan’s bill which sought to ban cruel hare coursing.
In 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019, voted in favour of the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations which granted €80 million/€80 million/€84 million/€84 million of taxpayers’ money to horse and greyhound racing.
“I shall take a few seconds to register my opposition to this Bill and my support for the Ward Union Hunt and hunts in general. I have spent all my life living beside the Meath Hunt and have watched it in operation. I watched how its members treat their dogs and run their business. I do not get a chance to follow or watch the Ward Union Hunt and its business but I know many of the people involved. They treat animals and operate in exactly the same way as the Meath Hunt. They have respect for animals and know what they are doing.” Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2010: Second Stage, 29 June 2010. Watch on Youtube Deputy English voted against the ban on staghunting
“Shane McEntee and Damien English promised unqualified support for the Ward Union and hunting in general from any incoming government led by Fine Gael.” from the Hunting Association website, 2009.
Peadar Tóibín TD (Aontú, Meath West)
In June 2016, Peadar Tóibín was among the 114 TDs who voted against Deputy Maureen O’Sullivan’s bill which sought to ban cruel hare coursing.
In 2016 and 2017, voted against the Horse and Greyhound Racing Fund Regulations which granted €80 million/€80 million of taxpayers’ money to horse and greyhound racing.
In June 2015, Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Finance “the revenue that would be generated from the removal of [tax] exemptions relating to horses and horse breeding.”
“It seems that in the past 40 years that enormous damage has been done to the wildlife of this State in that a large number of species have been reduced in range and in number and there have been significant changes to the natural habitat of those species.” Joint Oireachtas Committee on Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, 5 December 2017, Heritage Bill 2016: Discussion.
“We know that massive damage has been done over the past 40 years to Irish wildlife. We know that modern society is particularly bad when it comes to diversity and its impact on nature. We currently see billions of tonnes of plastic in either landfill or in the sea, killing diversity there. We know that as a society, we are doing massive damage to the climate at present. We know this damages us because we have a symbiotic relationship with nature, the natural world is vital for human well-being and biodiversity is an urgent issue. We know that Governments say one thing and do another. They talk about protection of the environment when in fact they collude in its destruction.” Dail debate, 3 July 2018, Heritage Bill 2016: Report Stage.
Johnny Guirke TD (Sinn Féin, Meath West)
If you are a TD and wish to provide a statement outlining your views on animal cruelty issues, please email it to us at info@banbloodsports.com
RT @banbloodsports: "Shot, ears cut off, brutalised, drowned": Don't support cruel greyhound racing in which thousands of dogs are merciles… 12 hours ago
