Greyhound Racing Ireland's official records reveal that Michelle Connolly, a Tipperary woman, persisted in owning and racing greyhounds for ten months after receiving a 10-year ban from owning dogs.
Following a court ruling in May 2022 at Nenagh District Court, Michelle Connolly, a resident of Nenagh, was prohibited from owning, keeping, or breeding dogs for a decade. Despite this ruling, she continued to race greyhounds at Irish tracks. Notably, she became part of a new racing partnership with British champion greyhound trainer Mark Wallis and her partner Mike Davis.
Connolly had faced seven charges under the Animal Rights Act after an ISPCA inspection of her farm in Puckaun, Nenagh, in 2019. The inspection revealed mistreatment of three dogs, two Maltese, and a poodle, found in a cage. One had no hair on its tail, while another had raw, red skin. Initially, Connolly denied knowledge of these dogs, which were subsequently seized by the ISPCA.
Despite the 10-year ban, Greyhound Racing Ireland's records indicate that Connolly continued to own and race greyhounds at Irish tracks for ten months following the court order.
Greyhound Racing Ireland (GRI) has acknowledged that the matter is now under investigation and may involve legal proceedings. The Greyhound Board of Great Britain is aware of the investigation.
As of the time of publication, Connolly had not responded to a request for comment.
GRI received notice of the court order against Connolly last month and promptly investigated the matter. A comprehensive report was submitted to the Department of Agriculture, expressing concerns about a potential breach of the court order issued in May 2022.
According to GRI, the case is now in the hands of the courts, addressing a potential breach of the court order against Connolly. They clarified that no greyhounds were immediately under Connolly's care at her home, and all greyhounds registered to her were with licensed trainers.
The last registered activity of Connolly's greyhounds in Ireland was in March at Curraheen Park when her greyhound Paper Moon raced. While she also trialled Hot Throttle at the same track later that month, the majority of her greyhound activity has been in the UK.
In the UK, Connolly collaborated with Mark Wallis in 2021, purchasing at least 27 greyhounds. The Greyhound Board of Great Britain is aware of an alleged conviction under the Animal Health and Welfare Act in the Republic of Ireland and is conducting an investigation, refraining from further comments during the ongoing inquiry.