Bord na gCon, the Irish Greyhound Board, has said it is "deeply shocked and horrified" following the discovery of eleven dogs' carcasses onboard an Irish ferry earlier this week.
The Department of Agriculture has also confirmed it is investigating the "very serious" incident which came to light in Cherbourg, France on Monday.
“We understand from initial investigations that Gendarmes Maritimes and Port Surveillance Platoon at Cherbourg discovered 11 greyhounds which had tragically died due to suffocation in transit,” Bord na gCon said in a statement today.
Citing EU regulations, it said no species of animal should be transported unless conditions of their transit were guaranteed not to cause injury or unnecessary suffering.
The board will assist both the Department of Agriculture and the French Maritime Authorities with any resulting inquiries, it said.
“Bord na gCon in collaboration with the relevant authorities will endeavour to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prosecute those responsible.”
The Department of Agriculture confirmed it is “currently investigating this very serious incident. Department officials are liaising closely with the French authorities since this incident came to light.”
Although exact details of what occurred have to be confirmed, it was reported the driver of the vehicle in question has been interviewed by French authorities.
