Social Media: Australia reacts to NSW greyhound ban bombshell
OWNERS, fans, industry figures and punters alike have been caught off-guard by the shock announcement greyhound racing in New South Wales will be shut down next year by July 1, 2017.
Premier Mike Baird made the official announcement on both Facebook and Twitter, stating the decision follows the Special Commission of Inquiry into the greyhound industry after revelations of live baiting came to light on ABC's Four Corners expose in February 2015.
“Making A Killing” exposed footage of industry figures training dogs using banned live baiting across New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, all caught on camera using secret surveillance set up by animal rights group Animals Australia.
In response to widespread illegal activity, I can today announce that NSW is putting an end to greyhound racing. https://t.co/mzdPGBzZdw
— Mike Baird (@mikebairdMP) July 7, 2016
With the report's findings shared publicly, social media has exploded in passionate debate and varying reactions, some expletive-filled, others fully in support of Mr Baird's decision, and others not so well-worded.
Plenty of people on Facebook and Twitter let out their frustrations on the announcement:
I really feel gutted for all the decent greyhound folk that have had their lives turned upside down today,by the NSW Govt greyhound decision
— Darren Flindell (@hkdarren) July 7, 2016
Greyhound racing being banned by the same bloke wanting to kill 6000 brumbies by shooting them from a helicopter. Makes sense.
— Adrian Gray (@_AdrianGray) July 7, 2016
Mike Baird comes in, enforces lockout laws & Axes Greyhound racing. Lucky i don't like late nights on the drink and punting on dogs ??
— Robbie Drummond (@1RobbieDrummond) July 7, 2016
Can't believe what I'm reading…all because of a minority. Disgrace #nojustice https://t.co/ubnhUch2wm
— Tony Wood (@oh_hanger) July 7, 2016
Hey @mikebairdMP will you also be banning greyhound racing from trackside in NSW or is that OK as its not real?
— MICHELLE & SIMON (@samandmish) July 7, 2016
Shut down pokies and cartoon racing.They're a disgrace.No, too much money made there @mikebairdMP #greyhoundracing
— Bryan Haskins (@cheers100) July 7, 2016
Can't believe what I'm reading…all because of a minority. Disgrace #nojustice https://t.co/ubnhUch2wm
— Tony Wood (@oh_hanger) July 7, 2016
While others are praising and passionately defending Mike Baird and the ban:
“@GreyhoundRacing: NSW Premier @mikebairdMP has announced that #greyhoundracing will be banned from July 2017” So happy about this!
— Jeremy Taylor (@jjjove) July 7, 2016
Best news- let's hope other states follow #greyhoundracing https://t.co/0TOXsqrcEx
— Tracy Creagh (@creaght) July 7, 2016
Greyhound findings reflect an administration that lost control of the sport – it's a bi-product of too much racing & not isolated to dogs.
— Matt Welsh (@Themodernpunter) July 7, 2016
While the reactions keep pouring in, racing ministers from Queensland and Victoria have confirmed both states won't ban greyhound racing in the wake of Premier Baird's decision.
horse racing and trots must go now to many drugs in these sports or is ok to tell children drugs are good not acrime
must close all gambling there cheats government do make too much money from the crimes