Opponents of greyhound racing say it is unlikely to ever “deliver a dividend to the Irish State”. 

Yesterday, the Dáil approved €95 million for horse and greyhound racing, of which €19 million will be given to dogs.

It represents an €800,000 increase on last year's funding - despite a large drop in the number of people attending races in recent years.

Greyhound Action Ireland spokesperson Nuala Donlon said taxpayers are not getting value for money by funding the sport. 

“The greyhound industry is completely unself-sustaining economically,” she said. 

“Last year, in their 2022 annual report shows that it made a profit of just €1 million. 

“It hasn’t delivered a dividend to the Irish State in over 25 years and isn’t likely to.” 

Transparency

Ms Donlon said there needs to be more transparency around who in Leinster House supports funding the industry. 

“Greyhound Action Ireland are today calling for the ethics legislation to be amended to make it clear to people, the general public, whose money is being given to greyhound racing, who is voting in favour of this and do they own greyhounds? 

“Are they likely to benefit from their vote?”

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has previously said greyhound racing “make a significant and valuable contribution to our economy”.

Main image: Greyhound racing