Should greyhound racing be banned throughout Australia?
The NSW Government announced yesterday that it intends to ban greyhound racing, after shocking revelations of livebaiting and animal cruelty throughout the industry. The livebaiting scandal, brought to light by Four Corners in February last year, led to a Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry of NSW. The findings of this inquiry were handed to the NSW State Government last week.
NSW Premier Mike Baird announced yesterday that the greyhound racing industry will be shut down as of 1 July 2017
If you think that sounds unfair, here’s just some of the reasons why the NSW State Government is banning this practice (taken from news.com.au):
- About 17,500 greyhound pups are born in Australia each year, with NSW having the biggest number — 8000 in 2014
- 7000 of the 17,500 pups born (40 per cent) will never race
- Only 600 greyhounds are “rehomed” annually under Greyhounds As Pets programs
- Confidential April 2015 Greyhounds Australasia report says the industry is “responsible for the unnecessary deaths of anywhere between 13,000 and 17,000 healthy greyhounds a year”
- 74 per cent to 96 per cent of greyhounds are put down before the age of 42 months
- The RSPCA has a euthanasia rate of 15.9 per cent
- Australia has 3800 active greyhound breeders.
Timeline:
- February 16 2015: Four Corners reveals the use of live piglets, possums and rabbits to train greyhounds across three states.
- Early 2015: Following the report there is wide condemnation of trainers.
- May 6 2015: Honourable Michael McHugh AC QC appointed to head up an inquiry into the NSW greyhound industry.
- June 2 2015: Queensland abolishes all racing boards in response to the growing scandal.
- Late 2015-early 2016: NSW and Queensland police charge several greyhound trainers with livebaiting.
- June 16 2016: Commissioner McHugh hands down his report.
- July 7 2016: NSW Premier Mike Baird announces industry shut down based on the report.
- July 1 2017: NSW greyhound racing industry to be shut down.
What do you think of this decision? Do you think greyhound racing should be banned throughout Australia?
Read the full inquiry.
(amended by the author: removed the 'insidious' reference to greyhound racing)
This guy is currently looking after 50 discarded greyhounds. Hopefully all states will follow Mike Baird.
Peter Flann with one of the Greyhounds he has rescued at his kennells at Rouse Hill on December 10, 2015 in Sydney, Australia. The Greyhound racing industry dumps dogs that don't perform and Peter and his wife save them from being killed. He is now caring for up to 50 dogs. Photo: Jessica Hromas