Thanks to all who emailed the sponsors of greyhound racing in Ireland, which has been convulsed by a major scandal following a TV documentary that exposed widespread cruelty and massive over-breeding within the “industry.” Footage showed dogs being shot and casually left to die of their wounds, and reference was made to the many dogs disposed of and dumped in shallow graves all over Ireland.
Another issue not addressed by the TV programme was blooding of greyhounds on live animals, which is widespread in the “sport”. Back in 1994, an undercover reported filmed this practice at a greyhound track in County Tipperary. I provide a link to the footage below; but be warned: It’s gruesome.
Already, several sponsors have dropped their support for greyhound racing in the past week, thanks partly to all of you who contacted them. Connolly Red Mills, FBD Insurance and Barry’s Tea are among the high profile sponsors who have now turned their backs on this horrific industry. Your emails helped to make that success possible.
Time permitting, can you send a message to the remaining sponsors, asking that they withdraw financial support from greyhound racing?
Below you’ll find a block list of the sponsors. You can simply paste this entire list into the “blind back up copy” line on your computer and email your message to your own email address.
You can compose a message of your own or, if you prefer, use the sample one below.
Thank you!
* List of email addresses of companies that sponsor greyhound racing in Ireland:
info@fonez.ie, casey.kathryn1@gmail.com, info@dublincoach.ie, jfox@glanbia.ie, info@gainfeeds.com, stephen.glancey@candcgroup.ie, Company.secretary@candcgroup.ie, mailorder@galwaycrystal.ie, info@bestcarparks.ie, btndistribution@eircom.net, administration@marshesshopping.com, info@flahertymarkets.com, info@quickpark.ie, quigley@centenarythurles.com, info@hatsgroup.com, res@thwaterford.com, info@roseoftralee.ie, info@leestrand.ie, corpaffairs@kerry.com, public.relations@ladbrokes.co.uk, jessica.bridge@ladbrokes.co.uk, care@boylesports.com, corporatecomms@glanbia.com, info@leestrand.ie, info@gainanimalnutrition.com, sales@nuttsaboutpets.ie, info@crokepark.ie, info@dublingaa.ie, info@bestcarparks.ie, administrator.cork@gaa.ie, Secretary.kerry@gaa.ie, info@bhdi.ie, oneillsdogfood1900@yahoo.com, wool@texacloth.co.uk, reservations@castlehotel.ie, information@kasko.ie, info@darbyogilltours.ie, enquiries@donohoeskoda.ie
Sample message/appeal to sponsors:
Dear Sir/Madam,
We are writing to appeal to you to end your sponsorship of greyhound racing. You may be aware of the widespread revulsion in response of a programme shown on Ireland’s national TV channel, RTE. If you haven’t seen the programme, please follow the link below and have a look.
The documentary, titled Running for their Lives, exposed the reality behind the “sport” in Ireland, showing how thousands of unwanted or under-performing greyhounds are abandoned or cruelly killed every year. It included footage showing greyhounds being inhumanely killed and dumped in skips, and dogs that died in agony, not have been killed outright. It referred also to the many greyhounds quietly disposed of…killed and dumped in secluded country spots.
Many Irish greyhounds that fail to perform are exported to China, where they can end up being boiled alive for the meat market.
Do you really wish to continue your association with this horrific animal cruelty?
Apart from the ethical issues, please consider the adverse effect such sponsorship will have, given the new heightened public awareness of the “industry”, on the well-being of your business.
I hope you will, having viewed the programme, re-think your support for greyhound racing and end your sponsorship of this shameful practice.
Here is a link to the RTE documentary on the greyhound industry, titled Running for Their Lives:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnuEIVNsEL8
Thanking you,