Greyhound participants fight back: We will not be beaten
I AM not going to try to pretend the ABC's Four Corners report didn't disturb me, as I felt physically ill during the entire program. I now fear for the future of the sport, it's participants and more importantly the thousands of greyhounds, in particular those suspended, as an enormous cloud of uncertainty hangs over their heads.
I've received dozens of messages from those inside the sport who are looking for any possible hint as to the future hold and where the sport is heading, along with daily comments from the general public on the issue of live baiting and the impact it will have on greyhound racing.
The sad reality we must all face is greyhound racing will never be the same.
I agree animal welfare must be the number one priority for all industry bodies and the initiatives that have been implemented thus far are reassuring that many greyhounds have a home for life after racing. I personally have been a platinum supporter of the NSW Greyhound Adoption Program for many years along with monthly donations I make to several other welfare organisations. I have chosen to keep my donations to these organisations anonymous, as most of them oppose greyhound racing and, as I've experienced in the past, don't accept my donations. Despite their despise of my involvement with greyhound racing, I feel as an animal lover I am obligated to provide them with funding to assist with the rescue and rehoming of suffering animals. Many people will not agree with me on this, however if I can contribute to saving one animal's life, I feel I've done my duty as a human being.
My greatest concern at present, is those people who have told me of their experiences with animal activists and the general public and the abuse they have been subjected to over the past few weeks. As a greyhound writer and owner, I've become accustomed to vicious abuse on a daily basis, however I will not tolerate young, innocent people being branded as ‘evil' and having vile threats being made against themselves and their families. Unfortunately, I'm only in a position to offer my comfort and support to them, as they cope with the distress and impact the events of the last month had on their lives and their association with greyhound racing.
NSW will play host to its biggest carnival on the racing calendar this week with the commencement of the Group 1 Golden Easter Egg heats, with the eventual winner to be awarded $250,000 in prizemoney. I was personally relieved to see that greyhounds that were suspended have been allowed to participate in the series and I thoroughly wish their connections all the best of luck. I know some of them personally and I know the past few weeks has been rock bottom for some of them, but they will still continue to be good.
To anyone who doubts their involvement in greyhound racing, which I'll remorsefully state I have over the past few weeks, this is an opportunity for us to show why our sport is great and just how much we love and care for our greyhounds. Remember the passion, joy and excitement you experience when you win a race, the look on your greyhound's face when you reward them with an ice cream or cheeseburger and the feeling of seeing your greyhounds name atop of the results list as the winner. These are the reasons why we get up at 5am, seven days a week and religiously look after our greyhounds, in some instances better than ourselves, and it's the reason we will move forward and become stronger as a community and why we will never be beaten.
I urge anyone who has been subjected to abuse and aren't coping physically and emotionally to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, who are available 24/7 to assist anyone in need.
Well written Dimity, keep up the great work,
Beautifully written your passion is second to none
Well Done Dimity, perfectly said.
Nice post Dimity – kudos! Yep I do same as you.. go on walkathons with pets (my greys both racing and retired are proudly participating with their muzzles on) and have a pet that never made it to race at only 10 months old. Yet here she is with me at 6 years old as an equally loved member of the kennel. It takes all types and greyhound people are no different than the broader reflection of society. There are tons of pet owners out there that should never have a right to own one, there are tons of parents… Read more »
@I know what we both know nicely said
Well done Dimity.
Dimity, I had the same reaction to the ABC program as you did however I see the “sad reality” a bit different. NSW has had a ban on blooding since 1901 and has not had the public debates that other States and Countries which gave no animal rights to rodents-vermin and pests. Where debates took place on the benefit and dis-benefit of blooding many prominent stakeholders put the benefit of blooding as low as 10%. The reasons for this assessment can be pointed out in submissions to the special enquiry. The other sad reality is that the working arm of… Read more »
Perfectly written as always Dimity. Yes I’m ashamed to say I had thought’s of getting out also. My love for the breed, sport & proving we aren’t all the same won out (I’m happy to say). I’m very upset that our “leader’s”, have not been making a stand for us & clearing up all the lies being spread by AA & other anti’s. I would like to see the true number’s openly published by them. For example, number of swabs done & how many actual positives. How many pups born each year.How many kennel inspections done & how many problems.… Read more »
Sue Mawby GRNSW openly publishes whelping and services stats (can be found on their website). Those figures certainly don’t do anything positive for industry image. I’d love to see a publication about kennel inspections – from a non-industry participants perspective, it definitely appears as though almost none are undertaken… Happy to be corrected on this. I don’t think throwing industry ‘official’ numbers will help your cause, but it would certainly be interesting to compare with those we “anti’s” gather. Perhaps a more practical start-point would be for owners/trainers/breeders such as yourself to take matters in to your own hands,… Read more »
John Tracey Interesting points- can you please link in something on the debates you mention (both animal rights for pests and the benefit of blooding)?
My wife and I have decided on getting out of owning racing greyhounds due to the actions of a few but also those people that head up Racing Queensland, namely the Chairman, CEO and General Manager Racing Operations.
They have not told owners where their dogs are being kept, refuse to answer emails or return phone calls or even update their website. They have tarred every one with the same brush, they are rude and aggressive.
If we do ever return to racing it wont be in Queensland
gabi001 Sue Mawby I tried putting my story forward to the fools on AA, told them how many dogs I have, how many race & ages of mine …oldest being 12 1/2. How well they are cared for, the fact I have never PTS unless due to terminal illness or old age. If they are injured they are fixed by a vet. I have only ever given 3 away…1 through gap, 1 to a friend as she wanted her & 1 to breed to a friend & I know she has a home for life. For this I coped abuse, was… Read more »
gabi001 Sue Mawby I agree, I don’t really see that the fact that the sport is being forced to address welfare issues as a “sad reality”. Perhaps just a poor choice of words, but while there might be a painful transition period, the changes that will happen to the industry as a result of this are positive, not “sad”.
John Tracey I agree, I don’t really see that the fact that the sport is being forced to address welfare issues as a “sad reality”. Perhaps just a poor choice of words, but while there might be a painful transition period, the changes that will happen to the industry as a result of this are positive, not “sad”.
Sue Mawby gabi001 It’s unfortunate you had that experience; you clearly are caring for your dogs. But the point is we should not feel surprised when we come across a greyhound owner who does choose vet care and rehabilitation over PTS. It shouldn’t make us happy to see that a greyhound owner ensured most* of her dogs ended up on couches. That should be standard practice for an industry that ‘loves’ greyhounds… The industry will have a tough time stamping out live bait training methods. Deflecting blame onto people who just caught this criminal behaviour on video seems a waste of… Read more »
gabi001 Sue Mawby In all honesty I can say where we trial I have NEVER seen live baiting. Living in the country means we don’t have trial tracks…so we trial at race tracks…It has never happened in front of me! I have seen DEAD rabbits attached to the lure (this was allowed) (its not now.)
I would also add, the many friends I have in greyhound racing have the same ideals & keep their dogs also.
gabi001 John Tracey he best published reference is https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19840517&id=_AEMAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XFkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6915,530789&hl=en I also have historical notes referring to Zoom Top, Miss Hi Low etc and a greyhound of the year. There are also “clinical notes on greyhound ruined by blooding. The retired high court judge and the council assisting will sought through the minefield of legislation but just as shorthand most States excluded rodents-vermin and in WA pests from having animal rights previously. NSW always adopted prevention of cruelty and defined necessary cruelty and un- necessary cruelty in their act (this is an over simplification but makes the point). NSW had a prevention… Read more »
For someone who is so young, you are very wise…well done Dimity….
Wise words thank you
Dimity – cyber abuse and bullying is a crime in Australia. Report abuse to police and if warranted use Lifeline. Physical or verbal abuse is assault. Report also to police, and again if you feel threatened or need help Lifeline will help. But seriously people – you can’t substitute one alleged abuse for another actual can you!?
Hugh_ John Tracey Asolutely agree totally. I suppose it is a sad reality that people who have done so much for animal welfare are disappointed at people involving themselves in criminal actions but I am sure that the people working on associated welfare schemes within greyhound racing are professional enough to weather the storm. Working in human and other animal welfare units needs people will amazing personalities.
Sue Mawby Hi Sue, don’t be blue’ the Minister has sheeted the responsibility to where it belongs and has put the control board in receivership.
Noticed that the Archbishop of Adelaide is facing criminal charges as well, has the NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing sacking people that have the ultimate responsibility (GRNSW) having a domino effect.
Pruning from the top is an old country mantra and rarely used but when it is it has a good result.
Sue Mawby gabi001 Sue figures on physical numbers of greyhounds has not been done since 1969 and then the retired greyhound was not an issue.The survey was done by a professional company for the main clubs association.
I have my private thoughts about why the control board put out a guess like the anti greyhound welfare groups on wastage, but in respect to the Minister who has sacked the board to stopping negative comments I will stay mum.
TommyBrislane thanks so much Geoff! Means a lot coming from you!
TommyBrislane DimityMaher Nice read Dimity. Simply love your passion.
In reference to your quote “Unfortunately, I’m only in a position to offer my comfort and support to them, as they cope with the distress and impact the events of the last month had on their lives”….I see you have no interest in offering comparable levels of comfort and support to the animals (including Australian natives) that were tortured and killed so that people like you can pay to watch dogs run in circles. Also no offer of comfort and support for the animal lovers and children who have been sickened and traumatised by this appalling, sub-human behaviour..? What do… Read more »
Ms MAHER, I have only recently become involved in greyhound racing, as an owner, and had been enjoying it immensely.I will admit the recent cruelty to animal revelations disturbed me greatly, to the stage of considering leaving the sport, prior to enacting the plan for our dog’s retirement after racing, (rehoming).Reading your article gave me food for thought but is was not powerful enough to change my revised plans.However then I read Dave’s vitriolic and out of context post.From you article it is plain you have the wellbeing of “ALL ANIMALS” at heart.To attack you for the irresponsible behaviour of… Read more »
Well written Dimity, keep up the great work,
Beautifully written your passion is second to none
Well Done Dimity, perfectly said.
Hahaha – because animal activists are way scarier than people who stick baby possums heads in the sand?
Nice post Dimity – kudos! Yep I do same as you.. go on walkathons with pets (my greys both racing and retired are proudly participating with their muzzles on) and have a pet that never made it to race at only 10 months old. Yet here she is with me at 6 years old as an equally loved member of the kennel. It takes all types and greyhound people are no different than the broader reflection of society. There are tons of pet owners out there that should never have a right to own one, there are tons of parents… Read more »
@I know what we both know nicely said
Well done Dimity.
Dimity, I had the same reaction to the ABC program as you did however I see the “sad reality” a bit different. NSW has had a ban on blooding since 1901 and has not had the public debates that other States and Countries which gave no animal rights to rodents-vermin and pests. Where debates took place on the benefit and dis-benefit of blooding many prominent stakeholders put the benefit of blooding as low as 10%. The reasons for this assessment can be pointed out in submissions to the special enquiry. The other sad reality is that the working arm of… Read more »
Perfectly written as always Dimity. Yes I’m ashamed to say I had thought’s of getting out also. My love for the breed, sport & proving we aren’t all the same won out (I’m happy to say). I’m very upset that our “leader’s”, have not been making a stand for us & clearing up all the lies being spread by AA & other anti’s. I would like to see the true number’s openly published by them. For example, number of swabs done & how many actual positives. How many pups born each year.How many kennel inspections done & how many problems.… Read more »
Sue Mawby GRNSW openly publishes whelping and services stats (can be found on their website). Those figures certainly don’t do anything positive for industry image. I’d love to see a publication about kennel inspections – from a non-industry participants perspective, it definitely appears as though almost none are undertaken… Happy to be corrected on this. I don’t think throwing industry ‘official’ numbers will help your cause, but it would certainly be interesting to compare with those we “anti’s” gather. Perhaps a more practical start-point would be for owners/trainers/breeders such as yourself to take matters in to your own hands,… Read more »
John Tracey Interesting points- can you please link in something on the debates you mention (both animal rights for pests and the benefit of blooding)?
My wife and I have decided on getting out of owning racing greyhounds due to the actions of a few but also those people that head up Racing Queensland, namely the Chairman, CEO and General Manager Racing Operations.
They have not told owners where their dogs are being kept, refuse to answer emails or return phone calls or even update their website. They have tarred every one with the same brush, they are rude and aggressive.
If we do ever return to racing it wont be in Queensland
gabi001 Sue Mawby I tried putting my story forward to the fools on AA, told them how many dogs I have, how many race & ages of mine …oldest being 12 1/2. How well they are cared for, the fact I have never PTS unless due to terminal illness or old age. If they are injured they are fixed by a vet. I have only ever given 3 away…1 through gap, 1 to a friend as she wanted her & 1 to breed to a friend & I know she has a home for life. For this I coped abuse, was… Read more »
.
John Tracey I agree, I don’t really see that the fact that the sport is being forced to address welfare issues as a “sad reality”. Perhaps just a poor choice of words, but while there might be a painful transition period, the changes that will happen to the industry as a result of this are positive, not “sad”.
Sue Mawby gabi001 It’sunfortunate you had that experience; you clearly are caring for your dogs. But thepoint is we should not feel surprised when we come across a greyhound owner whodoes choose vet care and rehabilitation over PTS. It shouldn’t make us happy tosee that a greyhound owner ensured most* of her dogs ended up on couches. Thatshould be standard practice for an industry that ‘loves’ greyhounds… Theindustry will have a tough time stamping out live bait training methods.Deflecting blame onto people who just caught this criminal behaviour on videoseems a waste of time. And playing the defenseless victims of an… Read more »
gabi001 Sue Mawby In all honesty I can say where we trial I have NEVER seen live baiting. Living in the country means we don’t have trial tracks…so we trial at race tracks…It has never happened in front of me! I have seen DEAD rabbits attached to the lure (this was allowed) (its not now.)
I would also add, the many friends I have in greyhound racing have the same ideals & keep their dogs also.
gabi001 John Tracey he best published reference is http://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=950&dat=19840517&id=_AEMAAAAIBAJ&sjid=XFkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6915,530789 I also have historical notes referring to Zoom Top, Miss Hi Low etc and a greyhound of the year. There are also “clinical notes on greyhound ruined by blooding. The retired high court judge and the council assisting will sought through the minefield of legislation but just as shorthand most States excluded rodents-vermin and in WA pests from having animal rights previously. NSW always adopted prevention of cruelty and defined necessary cruelty and un- necessary cruelty in their act (this is an over simplification but makes the point). NSW had a prevention… Read more »
For someone who is so young, you are very wise…well done Dimity….
Wise words thank you
Dimity – cyber abuse and bullying is a crime in Australia. Report abuse to police and if warranted use Lifeline. Physical or verbal abuse is assault. Report also to police, and again if you feel threatened or need help Lifeline will help. But seriously people – you can’t substitute one alleged abuse for another actual can you!?
Hugh_ John Tracey Asolutely agree totally. I suppose it is a sad reality that people who have done so much for animal welfare are disappointed at people involving themselves in criminal actions but I am sure that the people working on associated welfare schemes within greyhound racing are professional enough to weather the storm. Working in human and other animal welfare units needs people will amazing personalities.
Sue Mawby Hi Sue, don’t be blue’ the Minister has sheeted the responsibility to where it belongs and has put the control board in receivership.
Noticed that the Archbishop of Adelaide is facing criminal charges as well, has the NSW Minister for Gaming and Racing sacking people that have the ultimate responsibility (GRNSW) having a domino effect.
Pruning from the top is an old country mantra and rarely used but when it is it has a good result.