Setback for Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium as FBD Insurance pulls sponsorship

By COLIN BARTLEY

FBD Insurance has confirmed it is ending sponsorship arrangements with Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium.

The blow comes in the wake of last week’s RTÉ Investigates programme on the greyhound industry, which revealed up to 6,000 dogs that don’t meet racing expectations are killed each year.

Reports say the deal between FBD Insurance and Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium was worth up to €1,300 annually, with the company sponsoring a number of small races.

The Insurer announced the end of its relationship with the Kilkenny stadium on Twitter last night.

The company said: “FBD Insurance supports over 100 community events and organisations with very significant annual funding.

“Our only sponsorship of greyhound racing was a small sponsorship arrangement with Kilkenny Greyhound Stadium.

“Following the recent RTÉ Investigates programme, FBD has decided not to renew this. We look forward to the implementation of urgently needed animal welfare measures by the Government.”

In another blow for the dog racing industry, long-time backer Barry’s Tea has also pulled its support for an annual race in  Curraheen Park in Cork.

In a statement, the Irish Greyhound Board said it appreciated the decisions of both companies and thanked both for their sponsorship.

“The IGB continues to engage with our sponsors on our strong commitment to the welfare of racing greyhounds, including an additional number of measures approved by the board at a special meeting on Friday, June 28th, 2019,” it said.

“The IGB is now arranging for the implementation of these schemes. The welfare of greyhounds remains a priority for IGB and we will continue to build on the reforms within the sector over the last number of years.”