The figures show that 389 greyhounds were injured at race meetings between January and December in 2024, with 194 of them euthanised by track vets
78% of injured greyhounds were euthanised by track vets in Newbridge last year, according to data obtained by Paul Murphy TD following a Dáil question to Minister of Agriculture and Kildare South TD Martin Heydon.
Nationally, figures show that 389 greyhounds were injured at race meetings between January and December in 2024, with 194 of them euthanised by track vets.
The 202 deaths made 2024 the worst year for deaths at greyhound races since records began in 2014.
The 389 injuries are the highest since 2016.
The deaths of eight other injured greyhounds are listed as racing fatalities - they "died on the track or shortly after a race".
The injury and death data obtained by Murphy showed that the 194 greyhounds who were euthanised by vets had suffered injuries including: spinal injuries, spinal paralysis, broken necks/elbows/legs/hocks/wrists/radii and ulna/metatarsals.
In relation to the percentage of injured greyhounds who were euthanised (excluding the eight racing fatalities), Youghal was the worst track, with 96% of injured dogs euthanised.
The Newbridge track was listed fourth, with 18 greyhounds injured and 14 killed.
The Greyhound Racing Ireland figures for injuries and deaths at races do not include the greyhounds injured at tracks and later killed elsewhere.
The Irish Council Against Blood Sports (ICABS) said Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) is “again attempting to downplay the high numbers of injuries and deaths.”
In response, Greyhound Racing Ireland said: “Any increase in fatalities or injuries at tracks is regrettable and small fluctuations will occur from year to year as has been the case between 2024 and 2023 and with the decrease in overall track fatalities recorded between 2022 and 2023.
“Comprehensive track maintenance procedures are operated at GRI/RCÉ stadia to ensure that the best possible arrangements are provided for greyhound racing."
Yesterday, it was reported that the Welsh government has set out plans to ban greyhound racing.
New Zealand announced similar plans last December.
Last October, the majority of Dáil members approved a €4.1 million increase in funding for horse and greyhound racing, bringing the total funding for both industries close to €100 million.
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