Rásaíocht Con Éireann, or Greyhound Racing Ireland, says it consults the forecast before deciding if race meets should go ahead.
The commercial semi-state body is responsible for the greyhound industry in Ireland.
Twelve races were organised at the Kingdom Greyhound Track in Tralee on Tuesday (26 May) between 11.30am and 2.30pm.
Met Éireann data for Tuesday show temperatures in Tralee reached 25.6℃.
A group dedicated to ending commercial greyhound racing in Ireland, Greyhound Action Ireland, called on the Minister for Agriculture to order Greyhound Racing Ireland to suspend racing until the hot spell was over.
It said that the race meet went ahead in Tralee, despite pet owners being warned by animal welfare groups not to walk their dogs in the extreme heat.
In a statement to Radio Kerry News, Rásaíocht Con Éireann said it “follows Met Éireann forecasts when assessing weather-related risks and determining whether racing fixtures should proceed or be cancelled”.
It said it cancelled two scheduled race meetings at Mullingar and Kilkenny yesterday (Wednesday, 27th May) due to the weather forecast.
The Greyhound Racing Ireland statement continued that “for context, industry practice in the UK allows for racing to continue within defined temperature thresholds of 33-34℃”.
It also said that a qualified veterinary surgeon attends all race meetings to support greyhound welfare.
The spokesperson also said that “guidance for owners and staff is available on the RCÉ website”.
