We learned today that, unfortunately, the Portlaoise GAA are planning to have a fundraiser at the greyhound track in Newbridge next week. We believe this is a very poor choice of venue and would ask that the Portlaoise GAA reconsider this form of fundraising. We would encourage everyone at the club to take the time to educate themselves on the exploitation these poor dogs suffer. The number of injuries during races is abnormally high, many greyhounds are drugged, exercised on treadmills and are abandoned when they are no longer profitable — often leaving animal rescues to pick up the pieces, if they are not killed off as “wastage” first. Hosting this event at a greyhound track also excludes anybody who has a moral objection to this “sport”. Millions of Euros of taxpayers money are spent each year on propping up this cruel industry, money that could otherwise be spent on health, education or other sports. By supporting this, you are part of the problem.
An idea of some of the numbers of greyhounds born and “destroyed” in Ireland over the last few years can be found on the Greyhound Rescue Association of Ireland website here.