New figures released to Dublin South-West TD Paul Murphy show that three dogs have been euthanised following races at Lifford Stadium so far this year.
The incidents occurred on March 22nd, May 3rd and June 20th.
The dogs were euthanised following injuries including a fractured right radius, a fractured right metatarsal, and a compound fracture to the radius and ulna.
Nationally, the figures show that 84 dogs have been euthanised following racing at Greyhound Racing Ireland-licensed tracks while five have died as a result of racing fatalities.
In a statement Greyhound Racing Ireland commented, “Greyhound welfare is the foremost priority for Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) and at all licensed greyhound racing stadia, including Lifford Greyhound Stadium.
“While injuries can unfortunately occur in any sport involving animals or humans, RCÉ has extensive welfare and veterinary protocols in place to ensure that racing greyhounds receive the highest standards of care before, during and after racing.
“The Parliamentary Question relate to greyhounds that sustained injuries where, following veterinary examination, euthanasia was deemed the most humane outcome on animal welfare grounds.
“Such decisions are made solely by qualified veterinary surgeons and only where it is considered to be in the best welfare interests of the animal. It is important to note that these decisions are based on veterinary assessment and welfare considerations, with the welfare of the greyhound being the overriding factor at all times.
“Every race meeting at Lifford Stadium is attended by a veterinary surgeon. All greyhounds are subject to welfare and identification checks, and any injuries sustained during racing are recorded, monitored and reviewed.
“RCÉ maintains detailed injury surveillance and publishes welfare and injury data as part of its commitment to transparency and continuous improvement in welfare standards.
“Racing greyhounds are highly conditioned animals that receive significant levels of care from their owners and trainers throughout their racing careers. RCÉ invests substantial resources in welfare, veterinary care, regulation and traceability measures, as well as extensive rehoming programmes to support greyhounds during and after their racing careers.
“RCÉ takes its responsibilities towards the welfare of racing greyhounds extremely seriously. Animal welfare remains central to all aspects of the sport, and any discussion of individual cases should reflect the facts and the veterinary welfare context in which decisions are made.”
