I feel sorry for Greyhounds - they're often perceived as just "racing dogs", something to have a flutter on.
But they're a beautiful, gentle breed and I applaud organisations here in Australia that help re-home them after their racing career finishes.
So, I just can't believe what is happening to them in China, according to a report by Animals Asia.
The Animal Welfare group claims Australian greyhound breeders are willingly taking part in the inhumane treatment of the dogs by exporting them to the Chinese territory of Macau.
Apparently nearly 400 dogs are inhumanely put to death every year at Macau's racing stadium if the dogs don't perform.
Australian breeders apparently send over about 360 dogs a year.
Of course, not all Greyhound breeders in Australia partake in this cruel practice, but according to Animals Asia, a small percentage does.
Just as disturbing are the conditions these dogs are kept in while in Macau. They're confined in small cages for long periods with little or no concern for their daily welfare - they're just seen as investments that must pay a dividend.
There are no animal protection laws in Macau.
So, why are we allowing Australian breeders to even send them there in the first place?
We are outraged at images of the live cattle trade, we are sickened by media images of how our cows are being handled in Asia.
But what about these poor dogs?
6 Comments
Melody, I am glad you have taken a stand on treatment of this magnificent and gentle breed. I had two as pets and they were the absolute loves of my life. Here is my poem written as an Ode to Greyhounds: "As I look upon this aged face, I see no crown or scepter But in its place amazing grace that makes for wealth much greater He hails from a line of noblest blood, right down to Egyptian kings From Ramsis and Nefertiti, even Tut the great boy king Yet, now some two thousand years since...
ReplyMelody, I am glad you have spoken out about the treatment this gentle breed has to endure. I for one, had two of them and loved each one dearly. I wrote a short poem as an Ode to the Greynound breed: As I look upon this aged face, I see no crown or scepter But in its place amazing grace that makes for wealth much greater He hails from a line of noblest blood, right down to Egyptian kings From Ramsis and Nefertiti, even Tut the great boy king Yet now some two thousand years since then, he...
Replymelody this practice has been going on for at least 35-40 years. its not the breeders to blame, i know back in the 70s and 80s slow dogs would be taken to trials tracks in sydney and if they completed the tials ok they would be bought for 50 dollars to race in macau. the owners used to sell them not the breeders
ReplyAnother tragedy for the breed, whose average lifespan is about 2 years - the quick and the dead, even in Australia. The rspca has a petition against the export of these poor unfortunates to Asia where they are seen as mere commodities. Maybe we should think about the 1000s put down every year in Oz too. A gentler pet would be hard to imagine.
ReplyThe same sort of thinking goes with race horses in Asia and the U.S.A...and I believe in other countries. The 360 degree programme is being offered to help, but the wheels are slow and the mighty dollar speaks loudly. It's hard to imagine how some animals can literally be tortured or eaten because they don't win a race. Every greyhound will ultimately peak and then be 'discarded'so every greyhound will be killed. I'm sorry but I just don't understand this mentality.Very...
ReplyChina! Why am I not surprised?
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