Greyhound export protections
Deputy Murphy asked when the Greyhound Industry (Amendment) Bill would be brought forward and whether it would stop exports to countries with poor animal welfare records. Frances Fitzgerald said pre-legislative scrutiny was hoped for in December, though it might slip to early next year.
I am not sure whether the Tánaiste will be aware of the reports of horrific abuse of greyhounds in Macau, which does not have animal welfare laws or retirement programmes for greyhounds. As a consequence, there have been significant protests in this country and the Australian Government has banned the export of greyhounds to Macau.
When does the Tánaiste expect to have the Greyhound Industry (Amendment) Bill brought forward? Will it include export prevention measures to states with a poor animal rights record?
Comment on this
It was hoped to have pre-legislative scrutiny on this Bill in December. I am not quite sure if that will happen in December; it may be early next year.