NSW greyhounds ‘Fair Go Rally’ opens with passionate plea

A STRONG crowd made up of , owners and lovers has begun its fight against an industry-wide ban in NSW at the Fair Go in Hyde Park.

With more than 1500 in attendance, leading trainer kicked things off on stage, pleading for common sense to prevail and for her community to be saved.

“Make no mistake, you are not just banning greyhound racing,” Holloway said.

“You are banning a community of thousands who interact with each other, love each other and love our dogs.

“It (the NSW ban on greyhound racing) is an absolute disgrace.”

Leader of the NSW Labor party, Luke Foley, then addressed the crowd, promising to lead the fight against the ban.

“I am totally opposed to Mr. Baird's shut down of your industry,” Foley said, to big applause.

“I and my Labor colleagues will fight inside and outside parliament against this shutdown.”

Foley highlighted the contribution the greyhound industry makes to the state and lambasted the Government's hasty decision to bring it down.

“This is not the sort of thing we can accept in a free and democratic country,” he said.

Fair Go Rally

“The shut down of an industry that contributes $335 million to our state's economy every year. An industry and sport that returns taxes to the state government of more than $30 million a year to schools and hospitals.

“Your sport makes a contribution to the social fabric of our society. It fills Government coffers.”

In many arguments against greyhound racing in the weeks since the ban, animal cruelty has been the main justification for the ban. Foley argued strongly against the point.

“Mr. Baird's announcement on social , without a jot of conversation with thousands of good men and women in the sport of greyhound racing, is a tyrannical measure, masquerading as a humane gesture,” he said.

“This is not a measure that will enhance .

“Now we see that the Government has to engage and plan to partner with a crematorium – such will be the mass slaughter of greyhounds under Mr Baird's plan.

“Mr Baird's plan is a plan that will inevitably result in the slaughter of thousands of loved greyhounds.

Fair Go Rally

Foley went on to banish trainers and criminals engaging in animal cruelty that have given the sport a bad name and presented a plan for the industry's future.

“If you're engaged in animal cruelty, get out of the industry – there's no place for you,” he said.

“But, if you're one of the tens of thousands of people who's love for your greyhound dominates every single day of your life, I'll stand with you. Labor will stand with you.

 

“Everything I have heard only strengthens my faith that there are so many good men and women in this industry that we shouldn't give up on.

“The journey of has to continue and I'll be putting a plan before state parole that would implement many recommendations, to ensure animal welfare.

If there have been acts of animal cruelty, Foley said it reflected on the laws, the resources and supervision of the industry, which is a slight on NSW Premier , who has faced extreme heat since the announcement to ban greyhound racing from July 1, 2017.

“It's a failure of Government – a Government happy to take the taxes, but not provide the oversight that you've all been calling for,” Foley said.

Foley said that a Parliament debate and vote would take place “perhaps this week, probably next week” on the motion. But whatever happens in Parliament it is unlikely to be the final chapter in what is looming as a messy saga.

AustralianRacingGreyhound.com.au will keep you updated as more information comes to hand.

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dogem53
dogem53
7 years ago

did themselves proud today.

even when the old AA speckles on the side-walks tried to egg-em-on,they held together and showed the class.

shame the activists couldn’t control there emotions,but who would expect anything different from them?

noticed granny abc HAS NOT MENTIONED ONE WORD OF THE RALLYON ANY NEWS BULLETIN SO FAR…..SHOWS THE BIASNESS OF THE aunty AND THE LENGTHS TO GO TO TO MANIPULATE AN AUSDIENCE…….COWARDS comes to mind.

dogem53
dogem53
7 years ago

Unaccustomed to having something to say(tongue in cheek) one wonders why PREMIER BAIRD is so damn pig headed and bombastic. the sheer look of the dude spells it out quite frankly. it is a smug look of sorts. maybe a CLASS look…….u know,you are lower class than I. well,it appears MR. BAIRD is having a torrid time leading this state of nsw,with so much going to detract him from his goals of success in that state. here are a few that must be really peeing him off,and no,its not greyhound related,although I will bring that in later. cop these for… Read more »

lone widow
lone widow
7 years ago

dogem53 It would be interesting to know who or what organization makes political donations to the NSW Liberals. Guess who I’m thinking of.

DaveSampson75
DaveSampson75
7 years ago

Foley shows up to this rally. Funny how he gutlessly didn’t make an appearance at our rally recently in Hyde Park. Nothing like pandering to the crowd.

dogem53
dogem53
7 years ago

DaveSampson75 oh Davey boy. FOLEY showed up. you didn’t. you had a chance to show,refused because it was to hard to walk the short distance OVER THE BRIDGE,but FOLEY is a show stealer for TURNING UP!!!! LIKE YOURSELVES DAVE,HE HAS AN AGENDA. you know,the opposite of yours. if he wanted to side with your agenda,he would have come to yours DAVE. HE CHOSE OURS. SIMPLICITY IN ITS FINEST FORM. and the way ALAN JONES has sidled with GREYHOUND FOLK,i feel MR.BAIRD is,in ALAN JONES’s words,in a lot of trouble………ICAC all over again. tell ya DAVEY BOY,he is to immature to… Read more »

Deborah555
Deborah555
7 years ago

DaveSampson75  Supporting the people who voted for him just what a good politician should do.

Deborah555
Deborah555
7 years ago

dogem53  Actually dogem53 I had a chat with one of the AA supporters- who was, as I was, prepared to listen to both sides. Interestingly when I told her I was not just here to support greyhound racing but had political concerns about Baird selling state assets and his dictatorship she actually said “well in that case rally on.”

Deborah555
Deborah555
7 years ago

lone widow dogem53  after they have taken out a big chunk for their own personal lifestyle first.

dogem53
dogem53
7 years ago

Deborah555 dogem53 a rare find DEB. I often ask myself this DEB,if we were able to meet these few,i said few,antis we  bash on with,would they accept us,and likewise for us, as normal everyday likeable persons,or despise us because we have one not similar devotion? would a HUGH/DAVE/ARRON see it differently,if we sat down and discussed all issues,like what you pointed out to this person,and still be negative towards each other? would be a sad affair if that was true. and it would indicate a sort of RACIAL OVERTONE in a way. like listening to your daughter explain she is in love… Read more »

Deborah555
Deborah555
7 years ago

dogem53 Deborah555  I think a lot of people in the community realise this is about far more than greyhound racing and are becoming concerned. What I found interesting was initially the papers reported an overwhelming public support for the ban until the end of the weekend. Yes the lazy social media set  concerned only about being heard and getting” likes” got on the job and then the weekend arrives when decent, hardworking Australians have time to stuff around on their computers and suddenly there is a major shift to not banning racing. Baird appears to be getting his information from social… Read more »

dogem53
dogem53
7 years ago

DaveSampson75 ABC CORPORATE PLAN 2015/16. UNDER VALUES……….. ”the ABC is a TRULY INDEPENDENT MEDIA ORGANISATION for ALL Australians. the ABC’s values are the FOUNDATION OF HOW THE CORPORATION WORKS. (WERE…NOT NOW) WORKPLACE VALUE……… UNDER INTEGRITY….                             we act with TRUSWORTHINESS,HONESTY,FAIRNESS and the ABC is TRANSPARENT AND ”ACCOUNTABLE”… (unless we stuff up and refuse to discuss the f… ups).(what’s a white lie between people .,happens everday. so what is one more) UNDER RESPECT………… we treat our audiences and each other with consideration and DIGNITY!!! (unless you are a greyhound owner. then POQ cant be seen to be associating with your kind)…(you… Read more »

Darren Delaney
Darren Delaney
7 years ago

#SaveNSWGreys

DaveSampson75
DaveSampson75
7 years ago

Would it be bad to point out that Kevin Pitstock was seen with many greyhounds during yesterdays march (presumably they are his). All were unmuzzled which is against the law unless they have been through the greenhound program and are displaying a greenhound collar at all times in public (which they werent). Tut tut … and the industry claims us anti’s know nothing about greyhounds.

dogem53
dogem53
7 years ago

DaveSampson75 .did you ask him when you attended the rally if they were GAP dogs or not?…oh poo, I forgot DAVE, you COULDNT MAKE IT ACROSS THE BRIDGE”….SO YOU WILL NEVER KNOW DAVE………unless you just slip a call through to KEVIN and ask him politely………go on,i dare ya son. go on.

I

Deborah555
Deborah555
7 years ago

dogem53  Maybe it is because Jarryd’s back. I am sure if an asteroid had wiped out half of Europe the lead story would be “speculation that Jarryd has changed his underpants today, a world wide media contingent is now speculating what colour they are.” I don’t know who his publicity team is but they do an amazing job.

Deborah555
Deborah555
7 years ago

DaveSampson75  They were brought to the rally in an air conditioned trailer- came out for a few  publicity shots then returned to their trailer when the weather turned chilly- with fresh water, mats and blankets so they didn’t get cold. Nothing illegal about that Dave. And since when have we stated that you know nothing about greyhounds I thought it was pretty obvious you were ignorant about almost everything except internet trolling.

DaveSampson75
DaveSampson75
7 years ago

dogem53 DaveSampson75 I don’t need to ask him. A greenhound collar must be on display at all times in public. Asking is not part of the equation here. 

DaveSampson75
DaveSampson75
7 years ago

Deborah555 DaveSampson75Nothing illegal about that Dave’ … errr, I dont seem to remember the law stating ‘You must wear greenhound collars at all times … unless they are posing for publicity shots in a crowded public environment’ … which point in the law was that covered under Debs since you know its not illegal.


dogem53
dogem53
7 years ago

”””””BREAKING NEWS””’ ”’ BAIRDS OWN ANGLICAN CHURCH GROUP HAVE LOST THERE ”SOCIAL LICENCE” ……….. is it not that same licence GREYHOUND PEOPLE HAVE SUPPOSEDLY LOST for losing the confidence of the public? of course it is………is PEADOPHILIA an accepted occurrence in the public eye?……of course it is not(NOT IN GODS EYES EITHER MIKE BAIRD) then shut down every  ANGLICAN CHURCH pronto. SILLY you say. that is how bloody stupid BAIRDS shutdown attempt of the greyhound industry is………..molestation of children is fine…………..animal racing is not. ALAN JONES & RAY HADLEY & MARK LATHAM and many more,are on the ball that this guy… Read more »

dogem53
dogem53
7 years ago

DaveSampson75 dogem53 DAVE.

where’s your evidence that the collars were not on the dogs?

I have seen the photos,and I clearly see some green around the shoulders of one,and hands over the normal area of a couple of others,and a very wide collar possibly covering up another?????

interesting concept there DAVE……….now what else have you got to report son?

Hugh_
Hugh_
7 years ago

dogem53 Deborah555 I bare no ill will to others just because they have different views, we simply disagree on particular topics.

I’m always open to being convinced of a different view, but I’d say it’s unlikely that you could convince me that greyhound racing should be part of our society as I’m against all animal exploitation for profit, including using them as food.  Doesn’t mean I don’t think you might be a nice person.

John Tracey
John Tracey
7 years ago

Hugh_ dogem53 Deborah555 Thats fine my only comment would be that it is legitimate to put up an extreme case for debate but it does necessarily lead to practical solutions. If you accept that animals should have various rights which include the right to live a natural life that is OK and it may eventually happen but probably not in our life time. If you have the view (less radical) that animals should have the freedom to do what humans can do then we really need to allow them in eating places, travel with us on all forms of transport, allow them… Read more »

John Tracey
John Tracey
7 years ago

Hugh_ dogem53 Deborah555 sorry should be dollars (AU). not K

Deborah555
Deborah555
7 years ago

DaveSampson75 Deborah555  No, that particular statement made by me is not mentioned specifically in the legislation nor did I say it was, but obviously your knowledge of the legislation appears to be as usual a thirty second google search (research) then a paste of an internet link address to a statement in a piece of legislation (publication of thesis) and of course I cannot see any green collars and therefore I know these people are committing illegal acts. It is obvious Dave that you know nothing about the law whatsoever. Have you read  all acts that would concern this particular issue, read… Read more »

DaveSampson75
DaveSampson75
7 years ago

dogem53 DaveSampson75

Hugh_
Hugh_
7 years ago

John Tracey Hugh_ dogem53 Deborah555 I don’t find it particularly radical that animals should be allowed to live a natural life.  We already have that mandated under law for many animals, just not others.  You’re not allowed to kill a possum or keep it as a pet.  But you can abuse the hell out of a pig because people want to eat it.  What you call radical is actually a call for consistent treatment of animals based on sound scientific grounds.  Besides, I never made that argument anyway, the word “natural” is pretty subjective and can’t easily be applied to animals that have… Read more »

Deborah555
Deborah555
7 years ago

Hugh_ dogem53 Deborah555  I don’t believe that you are motivated by ill will Hugh and in a democracy I believe everyone is entitled to an opinion, however fanatics of any kind concern me (that is not a personal comment about you by the way) I would not support anyone who is fanatical about any issue even if it was one I believed in passionately. I believe fanatics are dangerous and unbalanced people.  Many of the greyhound people had  friendly and supportive  conversations with the people objecting to killing brumbies ( who were also there protesting) and their views are very different to ours with regards… Read more »

Deborah555
Deborah555
7 years ago

DaveSampson75 @dogem53 Looks green to me.

John Tracey
John Tracey
7 years ago

I have been to the various rallies on both sides of the dog dispute and I must say that the greyhounds presented yesterday were in exceptional condition, some owners took theur dogs home straight after the rally but many took them on the March as well. There have been an incremental advance on small attendances of the anti-greyhound racing peoples protest meetings with the attendances being much less than dress up walks of companion dogs though parks in Balmain and the Charity day at the Mudgee Race track and less than the adoption day at Wentworth Park. The crowd yesterday… Read more »

Deborah555
Deborah555
7 years ago

DaveSampson75 dogem53  Yes definitely a greenish hue and any good defence lawyer could argue the overcast conditions were not ideal photographic conditions, photo could have been altered by rabid anti racing person, is the dog under the jurisdiction of GRNSW as a registered greyhound or under the control of the local council under the Companion Animal Act, what jurisdiction does the CBD council have over a greyhound from another council jurisdiction taking part in a lawful protest? Yes the possibilities are endless.

But hey lets have mobile phone photo justice  and make you the new Attorney General LOL

DaveSampson75
DaveSampson75
7 years ago

Deborah555 DaveSampson75 Spoken like someone who has never actually seen a greenhound collar ….. hint I have two of them … so I know exactly what they look like (ps they also go around the neck which should be your other clue why that ‘green’ you are seeing isnt a greenhound collar)

John Tracey
John Tracey
7 years ago

Hugh_ John Tracey dogem53 Deborah555 I might be mixing you up with other people but I meant natural to mean to live out a life without being killed for any reason . I have read your previous posts with interest. The reason I refer to companion animals is that we are on a racing site and a dispute which involves companion animals and I want to stay in focus but I must admit that I find your posts interesting and you have referred me to a scientific reference which I have registered under. The reason that some animals are protected and others not… Read more »

DaveSampson75
DaveSampson75
7 years ago

John Tracey lol you are seriously comparing crowd numbers? Those that turn up at anti’s have not the slightest financial motivation to do so. Those at yesterdays march all had financial reasons to show up. So the motivation factors are completely different. I think you will find the greyhounds at the anti marches are in fine condition. The fact you didnt notice leads me to believe youve never been to one.

Deborah555
Deborah555
7 years ago

DaveSampson75 John Tracey  You are not seriously suggesting that people who turn up to anti rallies have no financial motive –  Mehreen Farqui looking for a second term where she might actually have to get some votes to get a second term to ensure her life time super pension- toadying to Baird.  The new lawyer at Animals Australia after failing in the boys club of commercial law now basking in her new found limelight and very well paid position. Just for starters. You are young aren’t you?

BJoe
BJoe
7 years ago

DaveSampson75

Dave, your Anti mates only have a skewed knowledge of greyhounds viz….ill treated, made to race, unloved, neglected, commodities and other sensationalised claims made to win the sympathy of the public that know very little about them…we, who know them otherwise are at opposite ends.  It may surprise you to know that most people I meet whilst walking mine are sympathetic towards the doggies being allowed to run.  They don’t like Mike Baird’s decision to ban and condemn him for the autocratic way he is running the State. 

Deborah555
Deborah555
7 years ago

DaveSampson75 Deborah555  Dave this is a racing site not an auto eroticism site what you do with green collars well that’s your business lets keep an innocent greyhound out of it.

BJoe
BJoe
7 years ago

Deborah555 DaveSampson75

Good one Deb!  Wish I could’ve thought of it.  As a matter of interest, does Dave wear fishnet stockings?

Deborah555
Deborah555
7 years ago

BJoe Deborah555 DaveSampson75  not if any fish were harmed.

BJoe
BJoe
7 years ago

Deborah555 BJoe DaveSampson75

Wonder if he shaves his legs?

Deborah555
Deborah555
7 years ago

BJoe Deborah555 DaveSampson75  enough BJoe I can’t stop laughing

John Tracey
John Tracey
7 years ago

Deborah555 DaveSampson75 John Tracey Deborah you are very generous answering certain posters, please don’t feel you have to do it on my behalf.I respect peoples right to speak but they need to realise that I have the right not to reply to them.

Deborah555
Deborah555
7 years ago

John Tracey Deborah555 DaveSampson75  sorry John I really didn’t realise that I was replying to one of your posts. I realise your stand and have a great respect for this. Once again I just thought I was replying to Mr Sampson I will take more notice in future.  I am aware just not of your stand with replying (not ) but you are more than able to defend any position without my help. Please accept my sincere apology.

John Tracey
John Tracey
7 years ago

Deborah555 John Tracey DaveSampson75 Deborah I am always glad to get your help thanks . Some posts on both sides of the fence are worthy of comment. I have not got time to work out if some people are acting in good faith or not. 

Deborah555
Deborah555
7 years ago

John Tracey Deborah555 DaveSampson75  you are a gracious man thank you

dogem53
dogem53
7 years ago

Hugh_ John Tracey dogem53 Deborah555 of course not HUGH, radical is where radical is. but what you and activists cannot differentiate from,is that you are all trying to eliminate in 10minutes what millions of years of evolution has built…..and you and your thoughts,decide its best your way.AND TODAY. if you don’t like a certain thing,whatever that thing may be,and I like that thing,who is right and who is wrong> you and I could fight it out one-on-one,but when the personage begins to MULTIPLY,then watch the picture change. the sole fighter has some backing,and grows in stature…………but the other guy, me, my support is… Read more »

dogem53
dogem53
7 years ago

Deborah555 Hugh_ dogem53 HUGH is not that type for SURE DEB. I actually like his thoughts,because I would be fibbing if I said some things I see do bother me. no HUGH,not double dutch, because I see dogs racing like children doing sports………you have kids HUGH? if yes, and if they are sports minded,tell me you do not enjoy running them around and doing what is so damn good for them………..not stuck on a keyboard. dogs and kids doing a sport. what harm is in that? some kids get injured as well. only that sooky,oh no my kids hurt,not doing that agAin… Read more »

John Tracey
John Tracey
7 years ago

Deborah555 Hugh_ dogem53 The Saint James school of ethics teaches by presenting “impossible positions” and asking people to choose between them in a moment of truth. The school also believes that every debate should include ethical discussions along the above lines. Hugh you constantly talk about ethics but not ethical dilemmas. I cant explain it but whenever ethical dilemmas are discussed I always think of the story in Cannery Row. My first moment of truth was as a person I always followed a strong ethical code until one day I was giving a horse a pick if grass on the side of… Read more »

Paddo
Paddo
7 years ago

Great to see a large crowd and so much support at the greyhound rally in Hyde Park on a weekday when many people would not have been able to attend due to work commitments,  this just demonstrates the wide community support for greyhound racing and that Baird has sided sided with Animal Activists and Greens on this.

Baird you have got this decision to ban the whole greyhound industry in NSW utterly wrong.

dogem53
dogem53
7 years ago

John Tracey Deborah555 DaveSampson75 JOHN………DONT BE SO ELOQUENT SON……….LET OUT A FEW SWEARS OCCSSIONALLY. CLEANSES THE MIND A TAD.

couldn’t imagine a man of your decency ever getting upset. wish I had your intelligence and etiquette……..sometimes,not all the time as I like a bit of biffo.

sorry JOHN,goo back to what you were saying….hey maybe do it in LARGE PRINT?????……..lol

only kidding mate.

BJoe
BJoe
7 years ago

Baird’s getting desperate.  He’s now paying for adds on 2GB to denounce the doggies and further demonise them.