Eight litters per greyhound rule

THE Government is planning to control the pregnancies of greyhounds after a series of scandals involving doping and puppy farms.

An amendment is being proposed to the Welfare of Greyhounds Act to ensure bitches only have eight litters in their life. It will be an offence to try to register the pups of litters not in compliance with the Act. This will ensure legislation is not circumvented by sending dogs abroad to have more litters.

Around 85% of racing greyhounds in the UK are bred in Ireland.