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Social Democrats Councillor Chris Pender (Newbridge) has called for a ban on greyhound racing. It follows the publication of sickening statistics showing that nine greyhounds suffered injuries at Newbridge track last year and all nine were killed.
"In 2023 alone, 9 greyhounds at Newbridge Stadium suffered severe injuries, including fractured hocks, wrists and more, leading to their euthanasia,” Cllr Pender stated in a series of tweets. “These incidents highlight a disturbing pattern of harm that these animals endure in the name of sport.” https://twitter.com/ChrisPenderKE/status/1782835444507459757
“We must question the ethics of a pastime that results in such frequent and severe injuries to greyhounds,” he continued. “It’s time to reconsider the place of greyhound racing in our community. Let’s stand together for animal welfare! Join the conversation to end greyhound racing and ensure that these beautiful creatures receive the respect and care they deserve. #BanGreyhoundRacing #AnimalWelfare #Newbridge".
Greyhound Racing Ireland statistics show that in the past nine years alone, 130 greyhounds suffered injuries at Newbridge stadium and 63 died or were killed by a track vet. At tracks around Ireland since 2014, at least 3,307 greyhounds sustained injuries and 1,194 died or were killed.
A big thank you to Cllr Pender for expressing support for a ban on greyhound racing in Ireland.
He previously denounced greyhound racing as “an abhorrent industry” and spoke out against the massive government grants that are keeping the unpopular, dog-killing activity afloat.
"It's hard to comprehend how government can justify propping up a loss-making industry with such well-documented animal rights abuses,” he wrote in a November 2020 tweet. “Every year 6,000 greyhounds are culled due to overbreeding associated with greyhound racing. #DefundGreyhoundRacing.”
Responding to the discovery in 2022 of greyhound skeletons in a bog 2km from Newbridge stadium, he said it was “absolutely disgusting behaviour to just dump animals that they're supposed to care about”.
Cllr Pender has also condemned cruel hare coursing in the past, saying he is “100%” in favour of a ban.
Greyhound Racing Ireland’s stadiums were between 70% and 91% empty at races in 2023. Newbridge track was around 73% empty on average at race meetings last year https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2024/04/07/greyhound-racing-irelands-tracks-70-to-91-empty-at-races-in-2023/
SEE ALSO
9 greyhounds injured, 9 killed at Newbridge stadium in 2023
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2024/04/23/9-greyhounds-injured-9-killed-at-newbridge-stadium-in-2023/
Horrific Discovery of Greyhound Remains at Newbridge Bog
https://banbloodsports.wordpress.com/2022/08/31/horrific-discovery-of-greyhound-remains-at-newbridge-bog/
Watch RTE’s award-winning “Greyhounds Running For Their Lives” documentary
https://youtu.be/ZYTb2qBjlMM
ACTION ALERT
Don’t go greyhound racing.
Urge the leaders of Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, the Green Party, Sinn Fein and Labour to end the state funding that is keeping the dying greyhound “industry” afloat. Since 2001, Greyhound Racing Ireland has received €347 million in funding, including €17.6 million for 2022, €18.2 million for 2023 and €19 million for 2024. It’s time for politicians to stop the funding and allow unpopular greyhound racing to die a death.
Simon Harris TD
Leader, Fine Gael
Telephone: +353 (0)1 618 3805 or +353 (0)1 889 2442
Email: simon.harris@oireachtas.ie; finegael@finegael.ie
X: http://www.twitter.com/SimonHarrisTD
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DeputySimonHarris
Micheál Martin TD
Leader, Fianna Fail
Email: micheal.martin@oireachtas.ie; info@fiannafail.ie
Phone: 021-432 0088
Leinster House: 01–618 3000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michealmartintd/
X: http://www.twitter.com/@MichealMartinTD
Eamon Ryan TD
Leader, Green Party
Tel: 01 618 3894
Email: eamon.ryan@oireachtas.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EamonRyanGP/
X: https://twitter.com/EamonRyan
Mary Lou McDonald TD
Leader, Sinn Fein
Tel: (01) 727 7102
Email: marylou.mcdonald@oireachtas.ie
X: https://twitter.com/MaryLouMcDonald
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MaryLouMcDonaldTD
Please sign and share the petitions
Stop supporting the cruel greyhound “industry”
https://www.change.org/p/stop-supporting-the-cruel-greyhound-industry
GAA: Stop club fundraisers at greyhound tracks
https://www.change.org/p/gaa-stop-club-fundraisers-at-greyhound-tracks
Tell Gain Pet Nutrition to Stop Sponsoring Greyhound Racing
https://www.change.org/p/jimtracy-glanbia-ie-tell-gain-pet-nutrition-to-stop-sponsoring-greyhound-racing