Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

greyhound image via Shutterstock.com
Investigation

'Shocked and horrified': Bodies of 11 greyhounds found on Irish ferry

It is believed the dogs suffocated in transit during the 14-hour journey.

THE DEPARTMENT OF Agriculture is investigating the deaths of 11 greyhounds after their bodies were found in the back of a van on board an Irish Ferries vessel.

The dogs’ dead bodies were discovered just before the ferry docked in France on Monday. It is believed that the greyhounds suffocated in transit during the 14-hour journey to Cherbourg in France.

A spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture said it is currently investigating this “very serious incident”.

“Department officials are liaising closely with the French authorities since this incident came to light”.

Bord na gCon, the organisation which regulates greyhound racing in Ireland, said it was “deeply shocked and horrified” by the news.

The board said it will be providing every possible assistance to the relevant authorities to determine whether there has been a breach of the EU Animal Welfare Regulations and to ascertain “why a routine operation involving the commercial transportation of greyhounds resulted in such suffering and unexpected mortality”.

Animal rights group AFAR took the opportunity to highlight general abuses within the greyhound industry, pointing out that dogs who have become unprofitable have been found “shot, mutilated, drowned, drugged, burned”.

Read: Guidelines banning cruelty to horses by traders introduced>

Read: This protected falcon had to be euthanised after being shot in Wexford>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
41
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.