Animal Groups Applaud NSW Greyhound Racing Ban, But Other States Say No

Animal welfare Not for Profits have called on other Australia states and territories to follow NSW’s lead and ban greyhound racing, but Victoria and Queensland have already said they won’t be following suit.

According to animal protection institute Voiceless, the NSW Government’s move to ban greyhound racing should be celebrated as a much-needed step in the right direction towards the rest of Australia also banning the sport.

However, the acting minister for racing in Victoria Jill Hennessy has already said the Victorian Government has no plans to ban greyhound racing.

“Greyhound racing industry under Bernie Carolan and Alan Clayton has taken great strides in reforming the industry,” Hennessy said.

Queensland racing minister Grace Grace said greyhound racing would continue in Queensland with continued vigilance on animal welfare and integrity.

“Queensland was the first state to act in response to greyhound live baiting cases last year,” Grace said.

“We acted immediately to stop the sickening abuse that was exposed, and put the greyhound industry on notice that it had to clean up its act.

“Clearly, the greyhound industry is aware that it’s on it’s last chance. That’s why we’ve established a new Queensland Racing Integrity Commission to oversee animal welfare across all three codes of racing.”

It comes after greyhound racing is set to be banned in New South Wales in response to what Premier Mike Baird described as “widespread illegal and unconscionable activity”.

NSW will become the first Australian state to shut down greyhound racing after the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry in NSW found overwhelming evidence of systemic animal cruelty, including mass killings and live baiting.

Premier Mike Baird announced on Thursday that the government was acting to protect animal welfare as a priority, and was planning for an orderly industry shutdown as of 1 July 2017.

“As a humane and responsible government, we are left with no acceptable course of action except to close this industry down,” Baird said.

Voiceless spokesperson Elise Burgess said in the last 12 years alone, somewhere between 48,891 and 68,448 dogs were killed because they were considered too slow.

“This is a damning insight into the ‘business’ that is animal exploitation. Their deaths were unnecessary and unjustified,” Burgess said.

“The level of cruelty within the greyhound industry has been overwhelming, for greyhounds and the animals tortured through horrific live baiting practices.”

Head of campaigns in Australia for World Animal Protection, Nicola Beynon, said the NSW decision was a win for greyhounds.

“The Special Commission of Inquiry report highlighted brutal animal welfare practices including mass dog killing and live baiting,” Beynon said.

“We welcome the NSW Government decision and congratulate the premier on moving to protect greyhounds. The welfare of these dogs used for entertainment purposes must continue to be a top priority – during the period of transition and when the ban comes into effect.”