merrion street

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Shane McEntee has marked the passage into law of the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011 by visiting the greyhound premises of one of the country’s leading breeders and trainers, Mr Pat Savage, near Slane, county Meath.

President Michael D Higgins signed the Act into law on 16^th November 2011. It was the first piece of legislation signed by him since he took up office on 11^th November.

Minister of State McEntee said:

Pat Savage’s premises is an example of the high standard of greyhound welfare that has been developed over the years by Bord na gCon (the Irish Greyhound Board) and the Irish Coursing Club. The new Act puts in place a modern, comprehensive framework - with appropriate sanctions - to ensure nothing but the very best levels of welfare for our greyhounds. The legislation provides a sound legal basis for welfare inspections to be carried out at all premises where registered greyhounds are kept. It gives a wide range of powers to welfare officers and empowers them to issue welfare notices outlining improvements where these are required.