MADRA is the latest animal welfare group to call for a ban on greyhound racing.

The Galway-based dog rescue and adoption charity has tweeted: “#Ireland #BanGreyhoundRacing”

The tweet linked to a Facebook post in which the group highlighted “the plight of the Irish greyhound”, focusing on “Osso”, a greyhound who recently arrived at its rescue centre.

“Osso has not had the best time of things,” the MADRA post outlined. “He is underweight (it's no wonder as he was riddled with worms), he has poor coat condition, was covered in fleas and flea eggs on arrival and his sweet little face bears the scars of constant muzzle wearing. We just don't understand this kind of neglect and it's so sad to think that a sweet boy like Osso has had to go through such a terrible existence.”

“The situation for greyhounds in Ireland is still perilous and almost every rescue in the country is dealing with a waiting list of these unwanted souls,” the Facebook post continued. “It’s a very stressful and upsetting position to be in, worrying if the owners will hold on, hoping that these greyhounds will still be there when we have the room. Sometimes they are gone, sold or a change of mind and kept for breeding. It’s crushing when this happens. Greyhounds are still injured every day in this country, at trials or at tracks, some times fatal injuries but more often injuries that could be treated but still lead to them being put to sleep. Every week, many greyhounds leave Irish shores for the UK, for racing and breeding. And then there are the exports to countries with little or no animal welfare protection, countries such as Spain, and Pakistan.”

“Things haven’t changed much for the greyhounds, despite all the talk from the industry that welfare is a priority, there are still thousands of greyhounds surplus to requirements every year and many will never make it past their 2nd birthday or into a loving home,” MADRA added. “We don't have all the answers here at MADRA and the greyhounds we help are just a drop in the ocean to the thousands that are in need. But we will keep doing our bit, we will keep telling you about our greyhounds and live in hope that some day there won't be such a need, that this majestic breed will stop being so exploited!”

Osso is said to be embracing his new life and destined for a happy new life in the US.

Thank you to MADRA for joining calls for a ban on greyhound racing. Find out more about its rescue work at http://www.madra.ie/ and https://www.facebook.com/madradogrescue

Previously in 2020, the ISPCA resigned from the Greyhound Forum (which includes Greyhound Racing Ireland). Then CEO Dr Andrew Kelly tweeted: “The ISPCA resigned from the IGF because we do not believe that the measures introduced by the Irish Greyhound Board to improve welfare are workable and that they will not address the real problem – over-production of greyhounds. We also resigned as we can no longer engage with the Irish Coursing Club.”

In November, Gina Molloy Hetherington of PAWS Animal Rescue confirmed that the group “left [the greyhound forum] over a year ago [in October 2020]”.

This month, the Scottish SPCA called for a “full ban” on greyhound racing. There are calls on the RSPCA, Dogs Trust and Battersea to follow suit.

SEE ALSO

Dogs Trust and RSPCA urged to resign from Greyhound Forum
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2022/01/27/dogs-trust-and-rspca-urged-to-resign-from-greyhound-forum/