Theft warning to greyhound owners

THE Irish Greyhound Board has issued a warning to owners in County Wexford to be extra vigilent when it comes to keeping their dogs safe following a spate of thefts throughout the county and wider south east region.

Seven greyhounds have been reported stolen in the region in recent days and three of those were taken in County Wexford.

A spokesperson for the IGB said the dogs range in age from 6 months to 8-years-old and in addition to Wexford they were taken in Counties Kilkenny and Waterford.

‘Two of the dogs taken from Kilkenny have since been recovered but greyhound owners are advised to remain on high alert,’ said the IGB spokesperson.

The Welfare Officer with the IGB, Deirdre Scally, also commented on the issue and said owners need to ensure their animals are secure.

‘It is important for greyhound owners to ensure they have secured any property where their greyhounds are kept,’ said Ms Scally.

‘Regular checks on the property are vital together with using appropriate gate or door locks, and alarm systems where possible,’ she added.

Ms Scally said the IGB has a Code of Practice in the Care and Welfare of greyhounds on its website.

‘Thieves are deterred by good security measures’ she said.

The animals in Wexford were taken from the Enniscorthy area but all owners in the county are being asked to be vigilent.