The Greyhound-Data Forum has been created to act as a platform for greyhound enthusiasts to share information on this magnificent animal called a greyhound.
Greyhound-Data reserve the right to remove any post that is off topic, advertisements or opinions they consider to be offensive.
If you answer then please try to stay on topic. It's absolutely okay to answer in a broader scope but don't hijack posts by switching to something off topic.
In case you see an insulting post: DO NOT REPLY TO IT!
Use the report button to inform the moderators so that we can delete it.
Well put Geoff, i also sent in a complaint as follows
Quote
"To whom it concerns" "I wish to put on record my absolute disgust at the total bias and partiality displayed in the above program and the use of old and irrelevant material to generate the maximum level of viewer anger towards the greyhound industry. I refer to three clips from a)China b) Pakistan and c) the footage of the greyhound with its ears removed. The first two are years old and its doubtful if any Irish greyhound was in China at the time. Regarding the footage of the greyhound with its ears removed the program failed to relate that such a practice would no longer be of any benefit in protecting any such offenders as every greyhound bred to compete can be traced ultimately through its DNA even if its earmarks and microchip were removed. The program failed to reveal this relevant information. Not withstanding the above let me state categorically that I abhor any ill treatment of any dog, greyhound or others. No doubt you will be hearing from others regarding the footage from Whiddy Island which I'm reliably informed what was taking place there was totally legal. Regarding Mr Heslin's contribution about EPO, besides being laughable, did he identify the greyhound/greyhounds and report his findings to the relevant authorities. It seems there is no record of him having done so but is that surprising as I'm led to believe that he is/was the beau of of a leading RTE presenter who herself was on Primetime displaying a range of drugs purported to be used for doping greyhounds, ILLEGALLY sourced over the internet. Perhaps now we know the reason and how they were disposed of (joke). Again let me put on record my abhorrence of doping in the greyhound industry and it needs to be rooted out. Lastly the bit about shooting greyhounds in the knackery was obnoxious but should have been reported after the first incident was uncovered but then no doubt it would have become Sub Judice and couldn't be used. In summary I believe the program was totally biased and unfair to the vast majority of greyhound people who are now all tarred with the same brush by the partially informed public and object to the use of my license fee in broadcasting this.
Regards
Kieran Lonergan"
Unquote
I received an automatic reply acknowledging my complaint etc. etc. but if it didn't meet certain criteria it would be referred to feedback@ rte.ie and would automatically be buried which I'm afraid is what will happen as it probably is not specific enough in it's accusations. Accordingly I'm asking is there anybody out there who can draft a semi-legal document to bring RTE to task as the program IMHO contravenes all aspects of the broadcasting acts. This does not in any way mitigate from the IGB carrying out their duty in properly governing our fast diminishing Industry/lifestyle
It's a sad state of affairs when individual greyhound owners have to take upon themselves the task of trying to right the wrong committed by RTE on our Industry.
As a State Solicitor , the Chairman of the IGB , Frank Nyhan has the legal knowledge and resources available to him to mount a proper challenge through the IGB to the content and presentation of the programme.
Well put Geoff, i also sent in a complaint as follows
Quote
"To whom it concerns" "I wish to put on record my absolute disgust at the total bias and partiality displayed in the above program and the use of old and irrelevant material to generate the maximum level of viewer anger towards the greyhound industry. I refer to three clips from a)China b) Pakistan and c) the footage of the greyhound with its ears removed. The first two are years old and its doubtful if any Irish greyhound was in China at the time. Regarding the footage of the greyhound with its ears removed the program failed to relate that such a practice would no longer be of any benefit in protecting any such offenders as every greyhound bred to compete can be traced ultimately through its DNA even if its earmarks and microchip were removed. The program failed to reveal this relevant information. Not withstanding the above let me state categorically that I abhor any ill treatment of any dog, greyhound or others. No doubt you will be hearing from others regarding the footage from Whiddy Island which I'm reliably informed what was taking place there was totally legal. Regarding Mr Heslin's contribution about EPO, besides being laughable, did he identify the greyhound/greyhounds and report his findings to the relevant authorities. It seems there is no record of him having done so but is that surprising as I'm led to believe that he is/was the beau of of a leading RTE presenter who herself was on Primetime displaying a range of drugs purported to be used for doping greyhounds, ILLEGALLY sourced over the internet. Perhaps now we know the reason and how they were disposed of (joke). Again let me put on record my abhorrence of doping in the greyhound industry and it needs to be rooted out. Lastly the bit about shooting greyhounds in the knackery was obnoxious but should have been reported after the first incident was uncovered but then no doubt it would have become Sub Judice and couldn't be used. In summary I believe the program was totally biased and unfair to the vast majority of greyhound people who are now all tarred with the same brush by the partially informed public and object to the use of my license fee in broadcasting this.
Regards
Kieran Lonergan"
Unquote
I received an automatic reply acknowledging my complaint etc. etc. but if it didn't meet certain criteria it would be referred to feedback@ rte.ie and would automatically be buried which I'm afraid is what will happen as it probably is not specific enough in it's accusations. Accordingly I'm asking is there anybody out there who can draft a semi-legal document to bring RTE to task as the program IMHO contravenes all aspects of the broadcasting acts. This does not in any way mitigate from the IGB carrying out their duty in properly governing our fast diminishing Industry/lifestyle
Quote I'm asking is there anybody out there who can draft a semi-legal document to bring RTE to task as the program IMHO contravenes all aspects of the broadcasting acts.
We need the IGB to publish a strong worded statement directing it straight at RTE without further delay, the Chairman of the IGB can draft a legal document, they are quick enough to send out legal letters to others for a lot less. Every paper you read there is something published about the greyhounds, as usual its the horrific details they pick up on, so we need something from the board fairly quick, this cannot be brushed under the carpet IMHO.
No Martin, I haven't seen any criticism of the program from the IGB, but what I have seen is a lukewarm response to the program outlining the paltry efforts in place on re-homing and the expenditure of 400k on the new drug testing machine and the low detection rates since its installation. Also there is great emphasis placed on the new Greyhound Act and how this is going to cure all ailments, such a load of dung. A wise acquaintance of mine had a great statement " the first story is hard caught" so since the program was aired we are probably chasing our tails anyway. But why cannot we be proactive rather than being reactive. Why have some of the people mentioned in the program still got a licence to train/run dogs?. It would not happen in any other areas regulated by DAFM (Dept Of Ag etc.) who ultimately have the responsibility for Greyhound Racing. Why are the PR merchants employed by the IGB eulogising these people in their race commentaries. I could go on and on but would be only annoying myself. In deference to the IGB & the ICC they are probably at their wits end preparing for tomorrow's skinning by the Agricultural Committee.
Martin James Ireland (Verified User) Posts 1128 Dogs 5 / Races 0 09 Jul 2019 04:06
(1)
(0)
RTE exists to serve all the people of Ireland. Their expectation is that we will treat their interests, views and beliefs accurately and fairly; that we make our best effort to be truthful; that we do not favour one side or another of a contested issue; that we dont represent vested interests; and that we y no personal interest in what we broadcast EXTERNAL LINK
All fine and good Martin , but let's not forget the IGB were invited to participate in the Programme and refused , a fact that will be used by RTE to defend allegations of bias.
This fear of editing used by the IGB is an absolute smoke screen to cover up the fact that since their establishment, dereliction of duty has been the order of the day in terms of promotion and regulation of the Greyhound Industry.
In fairness, the igb came across very well, hopefully we keep our current sponsors and drive the industry forward, and deliver what is promised
Martin James Ireland (Verified User) Posts 1128 Dogs 5 / Races 0 09 Jul 2019 21:30
(14)
(0)
Interesting programme.
Majority commending RTE coverage must admit I'm surprised at that. They were shocked and horrified at the Pakistan/China coverage. At least it was pointed out that the dogs in the Pakistan clip weren't even greyhounds and the dogs in the clip from China could have been a lurcher or any breed. There was no evidence that they were or had any connection to, any Irish-bred greyhounds. Is that modern journalism for you, for the programme makers to imply that those clips showed a connection to the Irish greyhound industry and to get away with it??? Never let the truth get in the way a good story.
The proper response RTE should be getting is a solicitors letter from the igb issuing proceedings against them and any money they get go towards rehoming, that program not only affected igb but every Greyhound person involved in the sport it was an absolute discrace...
Do you have questions about greyhound racing?
