Greyhound racing to be shut down in New South Wales

THE greyhound racing industry in Australia is reeling, after New South Wales premier announced the systematic shut down of the sport in the state.

A Special Commission of made the recommendation after finding evidence of animal cruelty, including mass greyhound killings and the well publicised scandal.

Mr Baird and Deputy Premier and Minister for Racing Troy Grant announced today the had made the decision to shutdown the industry from July 1, 2017. It has also thrown huge doubt over the industry in the rest of Australia.

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

“This is the inevitable conclusion to be drawn from the appalling revelations in Mr McHugh's report and his considered view that any other measures are unlikely to protect animals from further cruelty.”

In a detailed report released today, it said between 48,000 and 68,000 greyhounds, at least half of all greyhound bred to race, were killed in the past 12 years because they failed to chase, or were uncompetitive.

It goes on to say: “up to 20 per cent of trainers engage in living” and 180 greyhounds a year are euthanized because of injuries sustained in races.

Inquiry Commissioner Michael McHugh told Parliament to consider whether the sport had lost its “social licence” to operate. He also said there was a “very real risk” untoward practices would continue.

Mr Baird said the Government will announce a detailed industry shutdown plan during the second half of 2016 following consultation with stakeholders in industry and organisations.

The shock announcement must now put serious doubt on the sport in other states, although no announcements have been made from any other governing bodies.

The transition plan will set a path for the winding down of the industry as of 1 July 2017, and will include:

  • – A welfare plan for existing greyhounds, including opportunities for re-homing;
  • – An adjustment package for industry participants; and
  • – A transition arrangement for existing Greyhound assets that will ensure they are used for open public space, alternative sporting facilities or other community use.
  • Mr Grant said he asked Mr McHugh to leave no stone unturned and thanked him for delivering a comprehensive report.

    “NSW is the first Australian state to ban greyhound racing but, as Mr McHugh notes, we are following in the footsteps of so many jurisdictions across the United States and the world which have banned greyhound racing to protect animal welfare,” he said.

    An administrator will be for Greyhound Racing NSW in the coming months, while the government will also consult and prepare for Parliament to wind down the industry.

    “Over the coming months, we will consult with the industry to help minimise the pain as best we can for the innocent industry participants as we work towards an orderly industry shutdown,” Mr Baird wrote on Facebook.

    “We will develop a strategy to work with the to manage the welfare of existing greyhounds. And the transition arrangement for Greyhound Racing NSW assets (like greyhound racing tracks) will ensure they are used for open public space, alternative facilities or other community use.

    “I feel much empathy for innocent trainers and those who will lose their job or hobby as a result of this. And I understand the disappointment of people who enjoy having a punt on the dogs. But we simply cannot and will not stand-by and allow the widespread and systemic mistreatment of animals.”

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    Hugh_
    Hugh_
    7 years ago

    I’ve kept an eye on the developing scandal around greyhound racing since the live baiting practices were exposed on four corners.  I never thought a ban would actually result, because I thought that no government would be brave enough to take away someone’s livelihood on moral grounds.  I’m pleasantly surprised that this decision has been made.  Scratch that, I’m stoked, absolutely over the moon.  We can’t let economics be a defense to any practice no matter how immoral.  And for once a government is prepared to put morality before profit when it comes to animal exploitation. Watching the reaction of… Read more »

    impact
    impact
    7 years ago

    Hugh_ when you sit down tonight to your juicey t bone steak think of the animal that you are eating hypocite

    Hugh_
    Hugh_
    7 years ago

    impact Hugh_ I’m a vegan.  Nice try though.

    impact
    impact
    7 years ago

    Hugh_ impact sure you are

    Hugh_
    Hugh_
    7 years ago

    impact Hugh_ Haha, oh that doesn’t fit with the narrative you were trying to create so you’ll just accuse me of lying?  It’s easy to do that on the internet isn’t it, just attack the person, who you know nothing about, when you don’t have any genuine counter arguments.

    impact
    impact
    7 years ago

    Hugh_ impact that’s what MIke Baird has done whats good for him is good for everyone hay

    Hugh_
    Hugh_
    7 years ago

    No, it’s not good for everyone, it’s good for the dogs that would have suffered in the years to come, and it’s good for those that don’t like the exploitation of animals for racing (or any purpose). Is it good for those in the industry? No. But they were responsible for animal suffering, so I feel as sorry for them as I do for anyone that gets told they can’t keep profiting from the suffering of others. People have a choice about how they make a living. If you choose to make it from exploiting animals, and you accept or… Read more »

    FredBarton
    FredBarton
    7 years ago

    I am elated that Minister Baird finally recognized what many of us have known for years and that is the exploitation of living creatures for profit leads only to heartless cruelty, needless suffering and death for those animals trapped in this barbaric gulag.  Iam a Board member of Grey2KUSA Worldwide, an organization that fights to savethese marvelous creatures all over the globe (you can lean more about us here: http://www.grey2kusa.org/index.php) I have fostered and adoptedrescued racing greyhounds since 1995. I cannot imagine abandoning any of themwhen they become injured, old or sick and yet this is routinely what happens tothem… Read more »