Bluey sparks controversy for Tasmania Good Friday racing event
Animal welfare advocates are voicing concerns about the inclusion of the children's character Bluey in the promotion of a Good Friday greyhound racing event in Hobart.
The Tasmanian Trotting Club has advertised an event that offers kid-friendly activities, including a special appearance by Bluey and Bingo at the racetrack.The club's enthusiasm for the event was evident in a post shared on their Facebook page.
“We're SOOOOO excited to welcome Bluey & Bingo to our Dual Code Good Friday Race Meeting! Join in on all the fun planned for the kids.”
Nevertheless, incorporating Blueys imagery into the material has sparked reactions on social media, with some expressing strong disapproval.
Independent candidate Kristie Johnston, known for her strong stance against racing, criticised the post as a tactic aimed at attracting individuals to the gambling industry.
Representing the Clark electorate, Johnston has taken steps by reaching out to Blueys creators to express her concerns over what she sees as an inappropriate use of the character.
Adding to this dissenting voice is Animal Liberation Tasmania, a group advocating for animal rights. They argue that both harness and greyhound racing industries have faced a decline in confidence following scandals and are pushing for the closure of these sectors.
A representative from the group voiced their concerns about the use of children's characters to promote a facade of being “family-oriented.” They claim that this approach promotes connections between children, gambling, and using animals for profit. Ludo Studio, the company behind Bluey, has not issued a statement regarding the debate.