Greyhound Welfare Association Ireland (GRAI) welcomes the recent news of the unprecedented Greyhound Welfare Bill 2011 having passed through the Seanad on November 9, 2011. This Bill was the result of input from a coalition of animal welfare organisations, the greyhound industry, and individuals at the Department of Agirculture. Together they have forged a welfare document which has never before existed, and is certain to improve the lives of thousands of greyhounds in Ireland for years to come.
With newly elected President Michael D. Higgins announcing he will sign the Greyhound Welfare Bill 2011 into law at his first official bill signing, this marks a turning point in greyhound welfare and a laudable beginning for President Higgins. GRAI eagerly awaits the completion of the legislative process and anticpates the signing of the commencement order, which will result in higher welfare standards for greyhounds finally becoming law. The passing of this bill will also pave the way for the Irish government to enact the long-awaited puppy farm legislation (The Dog Breed Establishment Act). The Dog Breeding Establishments Act has already been signed into law but the government is waiting until the Welfare of Greyhounds Bill 2011 is passed before the Act is commenced.