Campaigners have branded a move to launch accredited courses in collaboration with Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) as a “cynical attempt” to distract from serious animal welfare issues. The greyhound racing industry has faced increased scrutiny in recent years after a series of documented animal welfare issues. “It’s so out of step with how the public opinion on greyhound racing is going,” she said. The course, aimed at people already working in the greyhound industry, is “designed to build welfare and husbandry knowledge”. Ms Donlon said an analysis of Greyhound Racing Ireland’s traceability system shows that of the 12,483 dogs born in 2021, 5,118 are dead or unaccounted for.

Source: Irish Examiner January 20, 2026 06:29 UTC