The State 'propping up' the greyhound industry is something that can't be justified, Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns says.
She was speaking as Greyhound Racing Ireland launches a campaign to fight back against the damage it claims has been done to the industry's reputation.
It follows the 2019 RTÉ documentary looking at the treatment of the dogs, with thousands believed to be killed every year.
The greyhound industry is receiving State funding of around €19.2 million this year.
Industry groups insist much of the criticism greyhound racing has received over the past two years is based on 'misinformation' and old footage.
However, Deputy Cairns told Newstalk Breakfast she isn't aware of any misinformation being spread about the industry.
She said: “I’ve no doubt many trainers treat their dogs well, and feel information we now know about the industry has unfairly discredited some trainers.
"But none of that can justify what people do have a problem with, which is the State propping up an industry that kills 6,000 dogs a year.
"Former owners and trainers have not only highlighted issues with the industry, but have expressed no confidence in it changing."
Deputy Cairns said many sponsors, companies and members of the public have distanced themselves from greyhound racing.
She suggested the people who are defending it are "people with a vested interest in the industry, and politicians who’ve been lobbied by them".
'Based on misinformation'
Also speaking on the show, Gerard Dollard - CEO of Greyhound Racing Ireland - defended the industry.
He said: “There has been a lot of coverage of the greyhound industry over the last year or so - a lot of it is based on misinformation and lack of understanding of the industry.
"Certainly in terms of the public perception there has been damage done, but I think we have a good story to tell and we’re happy to tell that story.
“The greyhound racing industry has been here for nearly 100 years, and I have no doubt it will be around in 20 years time.”
While the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland has not upheld the complaint his group made about the RTÉ documentary, Mr Dollard said his group remains of the view that the documentary was ‘misrepresentative of the industry, and based on a lot of historic footage’.
