States under pressure to follow NSW lead in banning greyhound racing
State governments around Australia are facing calls to follow New South Wales lead in banning greyhound racing.
NSW Premier Mike Baird on Thursday announced the industry would be shut down in his state from July 1, 2017.
“This is not an economic decision, it is not a revenue decision, this is an animal welfare decision,” he said.
Mr Baird wrote on his official Facebook page that the move came in response to a year long investigation into the state’s greyhound racing which revealed thousands of dogs had been killed, while also finding up to 10 to 20 per cent of trainers engaged in live baiting.
"In response to widespread illegal and unconscionable activity, including the slaughtering of tens of thousands of dogs, I can today announce that NSW is putting an end to greyhound racing," Mr Baird wrote.
"More than a year ago, we established a Special Commission of Inquiry into the greyhound industry after very disturbing reports emerged of cruelty to animals and other illegal activities."
Pressure is now mounting on other state governments to do likewise, although the calls have so far received mixed responses.
The Australian Capital Territory has announced it will ban the sport.
Queensland’s racing minister Grace Grace was not making any promises but sent a message to the greyhound industry that the government would not tolerate any further scandals.
“I won’t guarantee that we won’t follow NSW,” she said.
“Any repeat of large scale scandals as we saw last year or what has been uncovered in NSW, all gloves and all bets are off.”
In South Australia, racing minister Leon Bignell had some reassuring words for greyhound racers.
“We know here in South Australia there’s been no evidence of that sort of behaviour,” Mr Bignell said.
“Goes right back to the convict days… They have corruption scandals right across the system in NSW.”
The Western Australian government has said it does not plan to ban the sport either, saying the industry’s comparatively small size in the state made management easier.
Victoria has also said it supports the industry and does not plan to move against it.
Tasmania is also facing calls to follow the NSW lead.
RSPCA chief executive officer Steve Coleman lauded Mr Baird’s decision. The animal welfare group has been one of the key groups pushing other states for a ban.
“It is historic,” Mr Coleman said.
“This day will go down in the chapters in welfare as one of the biggest improvements in animal welfare in this state.”
