ELEVEN Greyhounds have died on an Irish Ferry during a crossing to France.
They died from suffocation and their bodies were discovered at Cherbourg.
Bord na gCon, the Irish Greyhound Board, said it was ‘deeply shocked and horrified’ about what had happened.
The Department of Agriculture confirmed it was investigating the ‘very serious’ incident.
"We understand from initial investigations that Gendarmes Maritimes and Port Surveillance Platoon at Cherbourg discovered 11 Greyhounds who had tragically died due to suffocation in transit,” Bord na gCon said in a statement.
Citing EU regulations, it said no species of animal should be transported unless conditions of their transit were guaranteed not to cause injury or unnecessary suffering.
The board will assist both the Department of Agriculture and the French Maritime Authorities with any resulting enquiries, it said.
"Bord na gCon, in collaboration with the relevant authorities, will endeavour to ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prosecute those responsible,” the statement said.
The Department of Agriculture said its officials were liaising closely with the French authorities.
It has been reported that the driver of the vehicle in question has been interviewed by French authorities.