RTE Investigates programme on greyhound racing industry

26-06-2019 10:55pm

Deleted User wrote: »

That link is to “quality services “ and “appeals” .....I’m not sure if that’s the correct place to log complaints about the greyhound business in Ireland? The emails could all get dumped rather than redirected?

If you or ye on this thread have a better one, do please post it . And Thanks

angel eyes 2012 · 26-06-2019 10:56pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

That link is to “quality services “ and “appeals” .....I’m not sure if that’s the correct place to log complaints about the greyhound business in Ireland? The emails could all get dumped rather than redirected?

Yes, I would think the Customer Complaints avenue would be for poor service provided to customers of the Department in relation to how they have interacted with the Department.

It wouldn't be the correct route for major concerns in relation to policy or legislation - the best route for that is to write to your local TD and ask them to lobby the Department on your behalf and to raise the issue with every politician that knocks on your door. The threat of losing a seat is a great motivator for politicians.

Sittingpretty · 26-06-2019 10:57pm

I’m a little surprised that so many people are shocked by this program.

We have a truly abysmal record of animal welfare in this country and a population that actively see no evil, hear no evil supports it.

You only have to visit your local animal shelter to see the neglect, abandonment and cruelty that animals are subject to and yet we fancy ourselves as a nation of “animal lovers”.

Think about that the next time you arrange to meet someone in a Tesco car park to buy a “teacup Yorkie” from a litter in their boot. Or you attend your office party at the dogs.

This goes on because we, as a nation allow it to, we pay for it with our taxes and we support it with our money.

archer22 · 26-06-2019 10:59pm

And lets not forget the Fox hunts...they can match everything in that documentary, and then some!.

And also recipients of taxpayers money.

26-06-2019 11:00pm

anewme wrote: »

Do not support this industry.

Do not attend any fundraisers / hen parties/ office parties that promite a night st the dogs.

Speak out.

Our office suggested it as a night out - about 10 ppl had a very strong objection...that was the end of that.[/QUOTE]

Especially around the google area of D2 and D4

Worth raising with anyone on social committees in that area

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 26-06-2019 11:01pm

Sittingpretty wrote: »

I’m a little surprised that so many people are shocked by this program.

We have a truly abysmal record of animal welfare in this country and a population that actively see no evil, hear no evil supports it.

You only have to visit your local animal shelter to see the neglect, abandonment and cruelty that animals are subject to and yet we fancy ourselves as a nation of “animal lovers”.

Think about that the next time you arrange to meet someone in a Tesco car park to buy a “teacup Yorkie” from a litter in their boot. Or you attend your office party at the dogs.

This goes on because we, as a nation allow it to, we pay for it with our taxes and we support it with our money.

Our regulations are better for animals bred for food than most of Europe, including other developed countries. There’s a lot of room for improvement but we do okay in that regard.

Sittingpretty · 26-06-2019 11:03pm

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts wrote: »

Our regulations are better for animals bred for food than most of Europe, including other developed countries. There’s a lot of room for improvement but we do okay in that regard.

And there’s only one reason for that: money.

Wildly Boaring · 26-06-2019 11:04pm

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts wrote: »

Our regulations are better for animals bred for food than most of Europe, including other developed countries. There’s a lot of room for improvement but we do okay in that regard.

We have an appalling record on puppy farms and dog breeding. Think that's what previous poster was referring to

26-06-2019 11:04pm

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts wrote: »

Our regulations are better for animals bred for food than most of Europe, including other developed countries. There’s a lot of room for improvement but we do okay in that regard.

What happens them after export is not our concern though right?

26-06-2019 11:05pm

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts wrote: »

Our regulations are better for animals bred for food than most of Europe, including other developed countries. There’s a lot of room for improvement but we do okay in that regard.

OK as in kill one in 3 Greyhounds born in Ireland?

That “OK” with you?

Shall we sit on our fcking hands and just let Europe pat ourselves on our back?

Like fck we will...

26-06-2019 11:05pm

Sittingpretty wrote: »

I’m a little surprised that so many people are shocked by this program.

We have a truly abysmal record of animal welfare in this country and a population that actively see no evil, hear no evil supports it.

You only have to visit your local animal shelter to see the neglect, abandonment and cruelty that animals are subject to and yet we fancy ourselves as a nation of “animal lovers”.

Think about that the next time you arrange to meet someone in a Tesco car park to buy a “teacup Yorkie” from a litter in their boot. Or you attend your office party at the dogs.

This goes on because we, as a nation allow it to, we pay for it with our taxes and we support it with our money.

Completely and utterly agree. I had written a very similar post about 10 minutes ago and it didn’t get posted for some reason (maybe my mistake). We have an appalling track record in Ireland for animal welfare, far far worse than the UK. Remember the recent jailing of Wexford puppy breeder , carcasses of dogs and horses found on his farm!

I spoke to 3 people this weekend who were saying they were getting dogs . ALL of them were getting brand new puppies. I suggested rescue dogs and it was something they had never considered as they wanted pure bred puppies. Our rescue centres are bursting at the seams .

But that’s another story, let’s concentrate at the moment on the poor innocent greyhounds. I noticed that it was all men who were involved in coursing and greyhound breeding , plus racing , selling and abuse of these dogs.... not women. Do men not have the same feelings as women when it comes to animal welfare?

mikeym · 26-06-2019 11:06pm

"Mans Best Friend"

Dogs are fantastic creatures that do so much for the human race and to treat them as commodities is a disgrace.

Those scumbag greyhound owners need to be boiled alive by the Chinese not the poor defenseless greyhounds.

The government have to stop funding these crooks in the IGB.

Wildly Boaring · 26-06-2019 11:06pm

Right so. This is now a man bashing thread??

Atoms for Peace · 26-06-2019 11:07pm

You'd have to wonder what kind of darkness lurks in those who take enjoyment in the barbarism that is coursing.

mikeym · 26-06-2019 11:08pm

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts wrote: »

Our regulations are better for animals bred for food than most of Europe, including other developed countries. There’s a lot of room for improvement but we do okay in that regard.

Dogs are domesticated animals which means they are not bred for food.

angel eyes 2012 · 26-06-2019 11:09pm

mikeym wrote: »

Dogs are domesticated animals which means they are not bred for food.

Tell that to the Chinese

26-06-2019 11:09pm

How many of you have actually seen an Irish Hare running wild in Ireland?

It’s quite a sight and I’ve only seen it 3 times in my lifetime and it was so special every time.

mikeym · 26-06-2019 11:10pm

Deleted User wrote: »

OK as in kill one in 3 Greyhounds born in Ireland?

That “OK” with you?

Shall we sit on our fcking hands and just let Europe pat ourselves on our back?

Like fck we will...

Fine gael needs to wake up.

The IGB doesnt need government funding because theres no real economic benefit to the country just to the bookies.

Sittingpretty · 26-06-2019 11:10pm

Atoms for Peace wrote: »

You'd have to wonder what kind of darkness lurks in those who take enjoyment in the barbarism that is coursing.

It’s baffling isn’t it.

I think it was fox hunting Oscar Wilde was referring to when he said

“The unspeakable in pursuit of the uneatable”

That about sums up blood “sports” for me.

26-06-2019 11:12pm

mikeym wrote: »

The IGB doesnt need government funding because theres no real economic benefit to the country just to the bookies.

Great. So no more of my hard earned tax euros will be applied to this abomination so called “sport”

Great. Thanks.

26-06-2019 11:12pm

Wildly Boaring wrote: »

Right so. This is now a man bashing thread??

No, definitely not, but I’ve always wondered . Women tend to be more involved in animal welfare issues and in the rescue of abandoned and abused animals. I’ve seen it in a few of the rescue centres I’ve volunteered in. It’s just something I’m curious about, the men in my life are animal lovers !

Sittingpretty · 26-06-2019 11:12pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

How many of you have actually seen an Irish Hare running wild in Ireland?

It’s quite a sight and I’ve only seen it 3 times in my lifetime and it was so special every time.

Only on Monday, my second ever time seeing one, he was pegging up the road in front of me approaching a corner and I was PRAYING there wasn’t another car coming from the other side because he would have been TOAST! Thankfully he found a gap in the brambles and took off across the fields.

InTheShadows · 26-06-2019 11:13pm

Wildly Boaring wrote: »

We have an appalling record on puppy farms and dog breeding. Think that's what previous poster was referring to

Take a quick look through Donedeal and you'll see this to be true. The amount of utter s h itheads running puppy farms is there for all to see. I report them all the time and yet Donedeal do diddly squat.

whisky_galore · 26-06-2019 11:14pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Completely and utterly agree. I had written a very similar post about 10 minutes ago and it didn’t get posted for some reason (maybe my mistake). We have an appalling track record in Ireland for animal welfare, far far worse than the UK. Remember the recent jailing of Wexford puppy breeder , carcasses of dogs and horses found on his farm!

I spoke to 3 people this weekend who were saying they were getting dogs . ALL of them were getting brand new puppies. I suggested rescue dogs and it was something they had never considered as they wanted pure bred puppies. Our rescue centres are bursting at the seams .

But that’s another story, let’s concentrate at the moment on the poor innocent greyhounds. I noticed that it was all men who were involved in coursing and greyhound breeding , plus racing , selling and abuse of these dogs.... not women. Do men not have the same feelings as women when it comes to animal welfare?

Should they have gender quotas?
It may come as a surprise to you but we aren't all like that.

Pretty sure the coursing supporters have some women in them.

c.p.w.g.w · 26-06-2019 11:14pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Completely and utterly agree. I had written a very similar post about 10 minutes ago and it didn’t get posted for some reason (maybe my mistake). We have an appalling track record in Ireland for animal welfare, far far worse than the UK. Remember the recent jailing of Wexford puppy breeder , carcasses of dogs and horses found on his farm!

I spoke to 3 people this weekend who were saying they were getting dogs . ALL of them were getting brand new puppies. I suggested rescue dogs and it was something they had never considered as they wanted pure bred puppies. Our rescue centres are bursting at the seams .

But that’s another story, let’s concentrate at the moment on the poor innocent greyhounds. I noticed that it was all men who were involved in coursing and greyhound breeding , plus racing , selling and abuse of these dogs.... not women. Do men not have the same feelings as women when it comes to animal welfare?

Men are typically less empathic, but it's not really something you can express. Despite the fact the women typically will be more drawn to professions requiring empathy. Nursing & teaching. Jordan Peterson talks about it alot, and has lots of stats to back it up.

All the above is of course at population level, there will always be outliers

mikeym · 26-06-2019 11:17pm

Deleted User wrote: »

No, definitely not, but I’ve always wondered . Women tend to be more involved in animal welfare issues and in the rescue of abandoned and abused animals. I’ve seen it in a few of the rescue centres I’ve volunteered in. It’s just something I’m curious about, the men in my life are animal lovers !

There are plenty of men out there who are very passionate about dogs and their welfare.

InTheShadows · 26-06-2019 11:19pm

mikeym wrote: »

Fine gael needs to wake up.

The IGB doesnt need government funding because theres no real economic benefit to the country just to the bookies.

Amazing the way we keep hearing about this government having picked off all the "low hanging fruit" down the years of austerity yet these lads and the lads in the horse racing "industry" keep getting this money. Strange that.

26-06-2019 11:23pm

whisky_galore wrote: »

Should they have gender quotas?
It may come as a surprise to you but we aren't all like that.

Pretty sure the coursing supporters have some women in them.

See my post #72 in which I said ALL the men I know are animal lovers. It was a question, not a generalization.

Mrsmum · 26-06-2019 11:23pm

I somehow doubt the industry is going to be disbanded so would there be any merit in a major campaign to get people to consider rescue greyhounds as really good family pets ? They are very gentle and surprising lazy, I believe. so easy to manage and it might just save the poor creatures from being boiled alive in China.

Also, is a knackery the same as an abattoir for say cattle who have TB etc ?

Mitch Buchannon · 26-06-2019 11:23pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

How many of you have actually seen an Irish Hare running wild in Ireland?

It’s quite a sight and I’ve only seen it 3 times in my lifetime and it was so special every time.

I can honestly say hundreds of times. You can’t walk anywhere in Dublin Airport and not see Irish hares. They are everywhere.

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 26-06-2019 11:26pm

Deleted User wrote: »

What happens them after export is not our concern though right?

Well, I’d imagine it’s hard to control what other jurisdictions do.

puppieperson1 · 26-06-2019 11:28pm

this will be big news for a few days and then forgotten . i rescued a greyhound and knowing the cruelty they endure upsets me all the time. my greyhound is the nicest dog i have ever owned and i have owned almost 20 dogs in my lifetime. i am weary of the fight against cruelty because its the same people all the time trying to help and the same bastards being cruel.
there was a global greyhound walk in June and it was well supported allover the world. our "famous ethnic minority are the worst culprits for greyhound & lurcher cruelty ask any rescue centre. As long as someone is earning big bucks and prize money is big there will be greyhound men willing to do anything to get near it. we are no longer a moral society we are lost.

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 26-06-2019 11:28pm

Deleted User wrote: »

OK as in kill one in 3 Greyhounds born in Ireland?

That “OK” with you?

Shall we sit on our fcking hands and just let Europe pat ourselves on our back?

Like fck we will...

You... didn’t read my first post in this thread, did you? Perhaps read the thread before jerking your knee?

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts wrote: »

I went to the dogs for the first time for a communion party last month. Everyone was like “Oh, it’s such craic, you’ll love it!”. It was hugely boring and all I could think about was the welfare of the dogs. Rightfully as it turns out. The fretting fed into my non-enjoyment, to be honest. I just couldn’t.

Greyhounds are dotes too.

26-06-2019 11:29pm

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts wrote: »

Well, I’d imagine it’s hard to control what other jurisdictions do.

But we CAN control what we do

26-06-2019 11:29pm

mikeym wrote: »

There are plenty of men out there who are very passionate about dogs and their welfare.

That was my point, ALL the men in my life are animal lovers.
But the breeders, racers, abusers, knackers who killed these dogs, drivers who transported them ,the Chinese who boiled them, were all men. Do a certain cohort of men just not have that gene that loves, cares and protects ?

Most of the rescuers were women, plus the guy who runs the rescue center in Tipperary for retired racing dogs. So as I said earlier it was NOT a generalization, however the majority of the people who were involved in the abuse of dogs on that programme tonight were men. Even my male partner who was watching this with me commented on it .

puppieperson1 · 26-06-2019 11:31pm

Mitch Buchannon wrote: »

I can honestly say hundreds of times. You can’t walk anywhere in Dublin Airport and not see Irish hares. They are everywhere.

i live in county galway i have seen 1 hare in recent times and when in limerick i saw 3 in the wild but plenty at the coursing track in newcastlewest for the 2 day meet at Xmas being held in captivity for the enterainment post xmas terrible savages enjoy this

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 26-06-2019 11:31pm

Sittingpretty wrote: »

And there’s only one reason for that: money.

The countries with lower standards for animal bred for food are just as interested on money.

Linking higher standards to money-making doesn’t follow as bringing things up to those standards costs money.

mikeym wrote: »

Dogs are domesticated animals which means they are not bred for food.

Obviously! I was simply pointing out that in some areas, Ireland punches above its weight with regard to animal welfare.

anewme · 26-06-2019 11:32pm

InTheShadows wrote: »

Take a quick look through Donedeal and you'll see this to be true. The amount of utter s h itheads running puppy farms is there for all to see. I report them all the time and yet Donedeal do diddly squat.

Well I was pillored and the whole thread was removed right here on boards.ie because I said it was a great day for animal welfare in Ireland that the Puppy Farmer in Carlow was convicted. A moderator said... you must be sick...

It was an even better day that this individual lost his appeal and that conviction was upheld.

Blueshoe · 26-06-2019 11:32pm

The Chinese.
A bad bunch of *****

Mrsmum · 26-06-2019 11:32pm

Deleted User wrote: »

How many of you have actually seen an Irish Hare running wild in Ireland?

It’s quite a sight and I’ve only seen it 3 times in my lifetime and it was so special every time.

On a holiday in West Cork a few years ago, we were driving on this little country road, the type with grass growing in the middle of the road and we came upon a group of hares sitting smack bang in the middle of the road. They sat there, bold as brass, not budging an inch, a bit of a standoff between us and them ensued. That was the only time I ever saw them in the flesh and I'm grew up in the countryside. I couldn't believe they were so huge. Really beautiful creatures.

angel eyes 2012 · 26-06-2019 11:33pm

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts wrote: »

Well, I’d imagine it’s hard to control what other jurisdictions do.

Live exports of the dogs should be stalled especially if they are en route to China, a country which has legislated for the mandatory testing of all cosmetic and cleaning products on animals. If any of the products we use are sold in China they have to be be tested on animals in China prior to selling over there.

Straffan1979 · 26-06-2019 11:34pm

Atoms for Peace wrote: »

You'd have to wonder what kind of darkness lurks in those who take enjoyment in the barbarism that is coursing.

It’s very easy to write statements like the above- it brings nothing to the narrative here except a likely flood of highly emotive nonsense.

This was shocking TV -and rightly there will be a fallout.

The killing of any animal on TV is likely to provoke highly emotive responses- overall it probably distracts from the very serious issues identified in the investigation.

Fact-

they eat dogs in Asia; They treat them dreadfully; is the Irish Greyhound Industry responsible for people eating dogs in Asia - No

Logic of above says should we ban the breeding of all dogs in Ireland - I saw a red setter at that meat market? We will not be able to stop dogs of all types ending up in these places- it’s their culture whether we like it or not.

You could show footage of abbatoirs the world over that I would find repulsive even as a meat eater-will it change anything- NO;

Hopefully this investigation will bring about real meaningful change backed up by appropriate enforceable legislation in the Greyhound Industry.

Resorting to graphic footage worries me -the
sensational nature of this type of expose usually ends up with a week of liveline and then nothing.

selectamatic · 26-06-2019 11:34pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

How many of you have actually seen an Irish Hare running wild in Ireland?

It’s quite a sight and I’ve only seen it 3 times in my lifetime and it was so special every time.

Lots of them here in north Roscommon.

26-06-2019 11:35pm

Mitch Buchannon wrote: »

I can honestly say hundreds of times. You can’t walk anywhere in Dublin Airport and not see Irish hares. They are everywhere.

In Dublin Airport. A place I’m assuming doesn’t engage with greyhounds to cull these creatures. And also, where lots of people born in Ireland don’t spend much of their time.

BTW- Dublin Airport is a tiny part of Ireland-Connaught, another slightly larger part of Ireland, is a place where you can see hares- if you’re lucky enough.
So, what’s your point?

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 26-06-2019 11:37pm

Deleted User wrote: »

But we CAN control what we do

And in some areas, we fare better than most other developed countries. Not in dog-racing unfortunately but in standards for animals bred as food. There is room for improvement there but it would inaccurate to say we lag behind in general in animal welfare. Some areas we do well, others not do much.

26-06-2019 11:37pm

Blueshoe wrote: »

The Chinese.
A bad bunch of *****

In fairness to the programme tonight, it did state that it was illegal what was going on in China in terms of illegal racing.

26-06-2019 11:38pm

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts wrote: »

And in some areas, we fare better than most other developed countries. Not in dog-racing unfortunately but in standards for animals bred as food. There is room for improvement there but it would inaccurate to say we lag behind in general in animal welfare. Some areas we do well, others not do much.

So go back to your crossword so, nothing to see here.. :pac:

26-06-2019 11:41pm

Straffan1979 wrote: »

It’s very easy to write statements like the above- it brings nothing to the narrative here except a likely flood of highly emotive nonsense.

This was shocking TV -and rightly there will be a fallout.

The killing of any animal on TV is likely to provoke highly emotive responses- overall it probably distracts from the very serious issues identified in the investigation.

Fact-

they eat dogs in Asia; They treat them dreadfully; is the Irish Greyhound Industry responsible for people eating dogs in Asia - No

Logic of above says should we ban the breeding of all dogs in Ireland - I saw a red setter at that meat market? We will not be able to stop dogs of all types ending up in these places- it’s their culture whether we like it or not.

You could show footage of abbatoirs the world over that I would find repulsive even as a meat eater-will it change anything- NO;

Hopefully this investigation will bring about real meaningful change backed up by appropriate enforceable legislation in the Greyhound Industry.

Resorting to graphic footage worries me -the
sensational nature of this type of expose usually ends up with a week of liveline and then nothing.

Erm- what they showed on RTÉ this evening, is illegal in Ireland.

So shut up about you’re dog eating nonsense. .

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts · 26-06-2019 11:45pm

angel eyes 2012 wrote: »

Live exports of the dogs should be stalled especially if they are en route to China, a country which has legislated for the mandatory testing of all cosmetic and cleaning products on animals. If any of the products we use are sold in China they have to be be tested on animals in China prior to selling over there.

A lot of botox is produced in Ireland. I would be amazed if people think that’s not tested on animals first. Unfortunately, we’re not at the point of completely replacing animal testing. There are a few medical uses for botox but it’s mostly used cosmetically. China is not the only country that tests cosmetics on animals. I don’t agree with it for non-essential, non-medical products by the way, but it would be naïve to think that it doesn’t happen in Ireland.

Deleted User wrote: »

So go back to your crossword so, nothing to see here.. :pac:

Thankfully, you don’t get to decide who posts!

whisky_galore · 26-06-2019 11:47pm

Mrsmum wrote: »

I somehow doubt the industry is going to be disbanded so would there be any merit in a major campaign to get people to consider rescue greyhounds as really good family pets ? They are very gentle and surprising lazy, I believe. so easy to manage and it might just save the poor creatures from being boiled alive in China.

Also, is a knackery the same as an abattoir for say cattle who have TB etc ?

There's not enough people to take in the masses of regular rescue dogs*, let alone the hundreds of dogs needlessly generated by this "industry".

*Caused by all the ordinary supposedly decent people who can't be arsed to look after the dog they bought as a fashion accessory.

RTE Investigates programme on greyhound racing industry

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