The Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) has welcomed the public response to its confidential Greyhound Care Line during its first full month of operations.
The Care Line was one of a range of measures agreed at a special Board meeting in June and was implemented on July 12th.
To date, five separate cases are currently under investigation by the IGB’s Welfare Department as a direct result of complaints received by the care line; with two further cases being looked into by the Irish Coursing Club (ICC) and a local authority.
Eight cases that have been investigated by IGB Welfare Officers are now closed, with one ‘Fixed Payment Notice’ issued as a result of those investigations.
Welfare Manager with the Irish Greyhound Board, Barry Coleman, commented: “We thank the members of the public who have been in touch with us regarding genuine greyhound welfare concerns. Reports received by the public have been, and will continue to be, followed up by a member of the IGB’s welfare team, which has the power to carry out unannounced inspections and act under the Welfare of Greyhounds Act 2011. We would emphasise to people the importance of only contacting the Care Line for genuine care and welfare concerns. We will continue to work with any and all agencies to eradicate any cruelty or poor animal welfare practices within the greyhound industry.”
The recorded phone line, on 061 448100, treats all information received confidentially and is available 24/7. Complaints can also be emailed to confidential@igb.ie