ACCIDENTAL INGESTION OF MEDICINES BY GREYHOUNDS

GRI

Rásaíocht Con Éireann has noticed a number of instances where following investigation, it has been established that a greyhound has accidentally ingested a medicine that may be on the list of prohibited substances for racing greyhounds.

Owners and trainers should be aware that under the terms of strict liability that apply, responsibility rests with them if their dog ingests any prohibited substance irrespective of where the dog sourced it.

A possible source of these substances for dogs is from the hands of a handler who had applied a medication to his/her own hands.  Many of these human medications are not licensed for use in greyhounds.  It can take very little of a substance to register a Positive Analytical Finding and the consequences that can arise e.g. forfeiture of prize money, publication of a finding on the RCÉ website and an appearance before the Control Committee.

Other substances can be excreted in urine and greyhounds should never have access to human urine in case it is contaminated with a legal or illegal substance.

Waste food can also be a source of danger, especially if the ingredients are unknown.

If the handler of a greyhound is using a medication that they are rubbing onto e.g. their wrist, they should wear gloves when handling their dogs in order to make sure that the dog can’t lick their hand.

Rásaíocht Con Éireann

November 2026