THE MANAGER of Enniscorthy Greyhound Track has denied claims that a dog was left to rot in one of the kennels there.
His denial came after reports that greyhound racing chiefs launched an investigation into an injured dog that was put down and left in a kennel for a week before being properly disposed of.
Welfare officers from the Irish Greyhound Board (IGB) say they are aware of the incident, which is alleged to have occurred at Enniscorthy race track in June.
“The IGB can confirm that its Welfare Stewards have carried out an investigation into the circumstances of how a greyhound euthanised by a Veterinary Surgeon, that was injured whilst racing, was left undisposed in a locked kennel recently at the Enniscorthy race venue.”
The spokesperson added that processes have been recommended and put in place to ensure a similar incident does not re-occur.
However, general manager at the Enniscorthy track, Brian McCann, who says he was not made aware of any probe being launched, was eager to set the story straight to The Echo.
He admitted that although it is true that the dog was left in the kennel for up to a week after it was euthanised, it was a case of human error rather than negligence.
A race track meeting at the privately owned track last month had to be pulled due to staffing problems. However Mr. McCann denied that it was due to a lack of staff that led to the dead dog being abandoned in the kennel for several days.
“There was an incident – but the dog was not left to rot,” he explained. “It was my responsibility and I hold my hands up and admit it was solely my fault. The greyhound was injured after a race and after consultations between the owner, handler and vet it was decided to humanely put him to sleep.
“The dog was put in a secure area behind the kennels, which is bolted and not open to the public, to be kept there until it was disposed of. I was informed it was euthanised that night (June 13) but then forgot all about it.”
Mr. McCann said that he was then reminded by the owners of the animal up to a week later when he realised his error. Procedures were immediately put in place to dispose of the decomposed animal.
[Full story in this week’s Echo.]