Time for a fresh start: ARG responds to live-baiting crisis
MAKE no mistake, greyhound racing in Australia is teetering on the brink of destruction.
The calls for an end to greyhound racing are coming from far and wide in the aftermath of the Four Corners expose originating from Animal Liberation Queensland’s efforts.
Over the past eight years of Australian Racing Greyhound, we have observed, heard and frequently been on the end of abuse and “requests” to stop the sport.
In the past two years those voices have grown louder and the support base has spread from the fanatical animal welfare “professionals” to those further from the fringes.
In the past 12 hours, those voices have been joined by many sensible, reasonable-thinking Australians who have quickly taken to social media to express their outrage – and justifiably so.
What was shown on Monday night in the living rooms of Australia is indefensible.
There are no words which can placate those assaulted by the images or mitigate the reactions to the vision.
Greyhound racing has reached a crossroad – it can continue on in a whole new form with new leadership and a new set of values; or it can go the way so many have before it.
To survive, greyhound racing will require strong, transparent leadership with a strong focus on integrity and welfare – we do not have that currently. It could be argued all racing codes suffer this dilemma, and recent fiascos in AFL and NRL demonstrate integrity is not an issue reserved for the racing codes, but greyhound racing has suffered from a terminal lack of “backbone” from its leaders who are all too happy to hide behind “incidents” and “ongoing investigations” than to put forward the brutal truth.
In the lead-up to the most destructive media event of the year, our leaders seemed to be more concerned with controlling the message than providing that transparency. It was difficult to extract comment from GRV, and the fact we are the only independent media organisation devoted to the coverage of Australian greyhound racing online should not be lost in the noise. This is the same group of people who invited the ABC journalists in on the pretence they were doing a positive story on increasing popularity and TAB turnover in the sport. The words naïve and inept come to mind.
Due in no small part to the short-sighted dealings of the Greyhound Action Group in New South Wales, who got into bed with the Greens and animal welfare groups to get its facile NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the sport off the ground last year, the bright light of the animal welfare and anti-racing groups was already shining on greyhound racing. After Monday night, that spotlight has turned supernova and includes many who the sport may have considered allies. The heartland of greyhound support, the blue- and white-collar families of suburbia, have turned on the sport in numbers; and the horse racing crowd and their high-profile names have lent their support to calls to ban the sport.
Clearly greyhound racing is on the wrong path; the vast and overwhelming venom and disgust for the sport are palpable.
Swift, dramatic and conclusive changes must take place, and they must take place immediately.
Those who led us here, whether through ignorance or apathy, must be removed for there to be any hope that confidence in the sport will return.
Australian Racing Greyhound is calling for the chairs of the three boards concerned – Greyhound Racing Victoria, Greyhound Racing New South Wales and Racing Queensland – to stand down or be removed at once.
Australian Racing Greyhound is calling for the chief executive officers of the three racing authorities concerned – Greyhound Racing Victoria, Greyhound Racing New South Wales and Racing Queensland – to stand down or be removed.
Australian Racing Greyhound is calling for the chief stewards of the three authorities concerned – Greyhound Racing Victoria, Greyhound Racing New South Wales and Racing Queensland – to stand down or be removed.
Australian Racing Greyhound is calling for life bans for those identified in the vision as perpetuating these acts of extreme animal abuse.
Australian Racing Greyhound is calling for an end to the revolving door of suspensions and disqualifications being subverted by authorising the transfer of greyhounds from the offending trainer to their spouse.
Only clear and decisive actions such as these will even partially restore faith that our authorities can properly administer the sport.
Australian Racing Greyhound fears it is too late.
Brings a whole new meaning to the words “not cat friendly”.
This ‘sport’ has got to end. The people involved with animal cruelty will not change because they have been caught, that kind of depravity never leaves them. Also, the 4 Corners program only addressed one area of the sickening abuse, there’s more, much more still to come out of the grimy pits of greyhound training. The same callus abuse is used on the dogs themselves, they are given illegal drugs routinely, and are subjected to physical and mental trauma to make them run faster and finally they are either euthanised, bled out or shot. It’s to late for them to ‘clean up their act’, they’ve had the opportunity and failed miserably. No decent person wants to be associated with this industry, it has blood on it’s hands.
This ‘sport’ has got to end. The people involved with animal cruelty will not change because they have been caught, that kind of depravity never leaves them. Also, the 4 Corners program only addressed one area of the sickening abuse, there’s more, much more still to come out of the grimy pits of greyhound training. The same callus abuse is used on the dogs themselves, they are given illegal drugs routinely, and are subjected to physical and mental trauma to make them run faster and finally they are either euthanised, bled out or shot. It’s to late for them to ‘clean up their act’, they’ve had the opportunity and failed miserably. No decent person wants to be associated with this industry, it has blood on it’s hands.
Your solution kill off 100000 pups and adult greyhounds to stop animal cruelty. The majority of greyhound people play by the rules, but they should be penalised too, that’s fair. Why not allow the industry to react and improve. Animal welfare has become a big issue in recent times with the improvement in the dog keeping being a priority, spreading their resources. Now with the extra funding and laws changing for surveillance and entering of premises brought about because of these raids, they can target the wrongdoers.
Your solution kill off 100000 pups and adult greyhounds to stop animal cruelty. The majority of greyhound people play by the rules, but they should be penalised too, that’s fair. Why not allow the industry to react and improve. Animal welfare has become a big issue in recent times with the improvement in the dog keeping being a priority, spreading their resources. Now with the extra funding and laws changing for surveillance and entering of premises brought about because of these raids, they can target the wrongdoers.
Outstanding article, and I agree that the proposal for the three positions in each state to be vacated immediately is essentiol to any possible solution to this problem. Those identified should be banned, and none of their dogs should be able to be transferred to anyone remotely related to them, let alone their spouse. The dogs should be removed from their properties for good, and the properties not allowed for use for greyhounds while still owned by the,.
Outstanding article, and I agree that the proposal for the three positions in each state to be vacated immediately is essentiol to any possible solution to this problem. Those identified should be banned, and none of their dogs should be able to be transferred to anyone remotely related to them, let alone their spouse. The dogs should be removed from their properties for good, and the properties not allowed for use for greyhounds while still owned by the,.
JennyAnthony Why not allow for the industry to react and improve? The industry has had 150 years to react and improve and just look how fantastically clean the industry is right now! It’s crooked to the core. Let’s face it.
JennyAnthony Why not allow for the industry to react and improve? The industry has had 150 years to react and improve and just look how fantastically clean the industry is right now! It’s crooked to the core. Let’s face it.
Why are comments being deleted from this article?
Why are comments being deleted from this article?
why are comments being deleted from this article?
why are comments being deleted from this article?
MarionPurnell JennyAnthony I am sorry that I do not agree that it is rotten to the core. I have been in the industry for 50 years, there are bad apples in every industry, community, group, country, race, wherever you look, but the vast majority should not be punished. Even if Trial tracks are only able to be open a certain number of hours each day, under GRV, or independently appointed stewards.
MarionPurnell JennyAnthony I am sorry that I do not agree that it is rotten to the core. I have been in the industry for 50 years, there are bad apples in every industry, community, group, country, race, wherever you look, but the vast majority should not be punished. Even if Trial tracks are only able to be open a certain number of hours each day, under GRV, or independently appointed stewards.
I am sure the RSPCA will ensure the perpetrators of these acts are adequately punished. They have been caught on film, can’t argue with that, and it’s been seen on national television.
I am sure the RSPCA will ensure the perpetrators of these acts are adequately punished. They have been caught on film, can’t argue with that, and it’s been seen on national television.
JennyAnthony Well said Jenny.
JennyAnthony Well said Jenny.
MarionPurnell Nothing is deleted
MarionPurnell Nothing is deleted
Jenny it’s not my solution to kill pups and adult dogs, it’s the industry’s. They get rid of, in the order of 20,000 per year. Surplus to requirements, overbreeding, injuries, non chasers and just too slows, broodies that have had far too many litters. How do you know that the majority ‘play by the rules’? The Integrity Officers, were supposed to find these offenders, they had a large budget to to it, and they didn’t, what does that tell you? Some ‘Not for Profit’ organisation found them on a meagre budget. You’re right Animal Welfare is a big issue, but the Greyhound Industry never did get the message – throwing more money at it will not get rid of the scum that perpetrate these acts. What would anyone decent want to be affiliated with this barbaric industry? Roger, if you been in the industry for 50 years, you knew about live baiting – what did you do about it?
Jenny it’s not my solution to kill pups and adult dogs, it’s the industry’s. They get rid of, in the order of 20,000 per year. Surplus to requirements, overbreeding, injuries, non chasers and just too slows, broodies that have had far too many litters. How do you know that the majority ‘play by the rules’? The Integrity Officers, were supposed to find these offenders, they had a large budget to to it, and they didn’t, what does that tell you? Some ‘Not for Profit’ organisation found them on a meagre budget. You’re right Animal Welfare is a big issue, but the Greyhound Industry never did get the message – throwing more money at it will not get rid of the scum that perpetrate these acts. What would anyone decent want to be affiliated with this barbaric industry? Roger, if you been in the industry for 50 years, you knew about live baiting – what did you do about it?
I’m surprised at the shock value that has come about from this four corners program. Todays greyhound racing came about from coursing (which was 2 greyhounds chasing a live hare) and its a certainty it’s been going on ever since and as much as anyone wants to deny it, is common knowledge within the industry it happens. In saying that, it’s also a certainty that not all trainers are involved in the disgusting, brutal abuse that was shown on the program last night, but how can it be controlled if it has’nt been somewhat already with the money that has been thrown about to improve integrity of the code. I’m a big fan and follower of the code and would hate to see this be the beggining of the end. Some massive, and i mean massive punishments and penalties need to be handed out to all those caught red handed, those involved need to be made an example of with huge fines and some jail time, it won’t completely clean the sport up, corruption is wide spread throughout everything and anything these days but it will help in moving foward. Whilst it’s not on direct topic i also agree that something needs to be done right now about trainers being able to put there greyhounds in to family/friends names and continue on as normal after being rubbed out and properties need to be stripped of training rights unless sold.
I’m surprised at the shock value that has come about from this four corners program. Todays greyhound racing came about from coursing (which was 2 greyhounds chasing a live hare) and its a certainty it’s been going on ever since and as much as anyone wants to deny it, is common knowledge within the industry it happens. In saying that, it’s also a certainty that not all trainers are involved in the disgusting, brutal abuse that was shown on the program last night, but how can it be controlled if it has’nt been somewhat already with the money that has been thrown about to improve integrity of the code. I’m a big fan and follower of the code and would hate to see this be the beggining of the end. Some massive, and i mean massive punishments and penalties need to be handed out to all those caught red handed, those involved need to be made an example of with huge fines and some jail time, it won’t completely clean the sport up, corruption is wide spread throughout everything and anything these days but it will help in moving foward. Whilst it’s not on direct topic i also agree that something needs to be done right now about trainers being able to put there greyhounds in to family/friends names and continue on as normal after being rubbed out and properties need to be stripped of training rights unless sold.
Good comments Kevin, but don’t tell me that the “good trainers” didn’t know about these cruel mongrels. You are correct there needs to be a very very big broom used to remove ineffectual buffoons from the executive.
Then the problem is finding strong honest people to replace them, good luck with that.
Good trainers need to stand up and out the ones that haven’t been caught, and don’t tell me there aren’t any more.
No mates, no excuses otherwise the public will be right in putting you all in the same boat as those curs on Four Corners.
Good comments Kevin, but don’t tell me that the “good trainers” didn’t know about these cruel mongrels. You are correct there needs to be a very very big broom used to remove ineffectual buffoons from the executive.
Then the problem is finding strong honest people to replace them, good luck with that.
Good trainers need to stand up and out the ones that haven’t been caught, and don’t tell me there aren’t any more.
No mates, no excuses otherwise the public will be right in putting you all in the same boat as those curs on Four Corners.
GreyhoundRacing you must have known about baiting, can you please confirm or deny that? AnimalsAus 4corners
GreyhoundRacing you must have known about baiting, can you please confirm or deny that? AnimalsAus 4corners
C’mon Bobby, look at the people who run this site as well. They remained silent throughout because they lack the moral fibre to turn away the money this industry affords them for half pretending to be an impartial real source of industry news while making value comments on the merits of truly independant initiatives to clean up this sick, bankrupt industry. Isn’t that right Kevin?
Great post by Bobby below
Jenny it’s not my solution to kill pups and adult dogs, it’s the industry’s. They get rid of, in the order of 20,000 per year. Surplus to requirements, overbreeding, injuries, non chasers and just too slows, broodies that have had far too many litters. How do you know that the majority ‘play by the rules’? The Integrity Officers, were supposed to find these offenders, they had a large budget to to it, and they didn’t, what does that tell you? Some ‘Not for Profit’ organisation found them on a meagre budget. You’re right Animal Welfare is a big issue, but the Greyhound Industry never did get the message – throwing more money at it will not get rid of the scum that perpetrate these acts. What would anyone decent want to be affiliated with this barbaric industry? Roger, if you been in the industry for 50 years, you knew about live baiting – what did you do about it
C’mon Bobby, look at the people who run this site as well. They remained silent throughout because they lack the moral fibre to turn away the money this industry affords them for half pretending to be an impartial real source of industry news while making value comments on the merits of truly independant initiatives to clean up this sick, bankrupt industry. Isn’t that right Kevin?
Great post by Bobby below
Jenny it’s not my solution to kill pups and adult dogs, it’s the industry’s. They get rid of, in the order of 20,000 per year. Surplus to requirements, overbreeding, injuries, non chasers and just too slows, broodies that have had far too many litters. How do you know that the majority ‘play by the rules’? The Integrity Officers, were supposed to find these offenders, they had a large budget to to it, and they didn’t, what does that tell you? Some ‘Not for Profit’ organisation found them on a meagre budget. You’re right Animal Welfare is a big issue, but the Greyhound Industry never did get the message – throwing more money at it will not get rid of the scum that perpetrate these acts. What would anyone decent want to be affiliated with this barbaric industry? Roger, if you been in the industry for 50 years, you knew about live baiting – what did you do about it
No Tony Cooper all greyhounds want is good quality food, a warm soft bed (NOT IN A CAGE!) someone to love and care for them to give them cuddles at night and pat them ANYONE who has greyhounds in cages is a disgusting human and i hope your whole industry burns
No Tony Cooper all greyhounds want is good quality food, a warm soft bed (NOT IN A CAGE!) someone to love and care for them to give them cuddles at night and pat them ANYONE who has greyhounds in cages is a disgusting human and i hope your whole industry burns
So the offenders are now saying everyone does it?
So the offenders are now saying everyone does it?
What type of gutter scum are you,the majority of greyhound owners and trainers look after their dogs better than your type look after their kids.
What type of gutter scum are you,the majority of greyhound owners and trainers look after their dogs better than your type look after their kids.
your type whats that? people who care about the welfare of dogs, people who dont put there greyhounds in cages to sleep on a piece of wood, people who dont take there dog to vet to be killed but for a check up or people who feed there dogs real food. I dont have kids mate i have greyhounds resuced greyhounds who came to me in horrible horific condiction with every bone in there body showing. So i’d much rather be with my type thanks my dogs sleep in my bed at night under the blankets they lounge about on the couch and they run to play fressbie not to make you money your the gutter scrum buddy but you can just keep pretenting that your differnt to the rest of them, even if you look after your greyhound like I do which i highly dought your supporting an indutrsy where most people in it are not looking after there dogs just answer me one question please how can one trainer have 70 dogs and honeslty how could every dog possible be attended to and be loved and looked after like dogs should be ???
your type whats that? people who care about the welfare of dogs, people who dont put there greyhounds in cages to sleep on a piece of wood, people who dont take there dog to vet to be killed but for a check up or people who feed there dogs real food. I dont have kids mate i have greyhounds resuced greyhounds who came to me in horrible horific condiction with every bone in there body showing. So i’d much rather be with my type thanks my dogs sleep in my bed at night under the blankets they lounge about on the couch and they run to play fressbie not to make you money your the gutter scrum buddy but you can just keep pretenting that your differnt to the rest of them, even if you look after your greyhound like I do which i highly dought your supporting an indutrsy where most people in it are not looking after there dogs just answer me one question please how can one trainer have 70 dogs and honeslty how could every dog possible be attended to and be loved and looked after like dogs should be ???
GreyhoundRacing Needs national response, not state by state. This has been a failure in all codes. #AFL federal model needs to apply.
GeoffSlattery KevinPitstock The state based partisan approach in all racing is counter productive to good administration #greyhoundracing
Roger Clark Three days later, nobody has been charged. But another $6 million has been thrown at GRV in the vain hope that the incompetent self-regulators can finally figure out how to make racing cruelty-free.
Roger Clark Three days later, nobody has been charged. But another million has been thrown at GRV in the vain hope that the incompetent self-regulators can finally figure out how to make racing cruelty-free.
RufusLelevrier Roger Clark Rest assured they will be, GRV still do not have clearance from their legal advisers to even name the perpetrators yet. As soon as they do all names will be revealed. The RSPCA will be laying charges as soon as all legal obstacles are removed. They are the minority and they have the might of the authorities, and the majority against them. Innocent people are being hurt as well and I can tell you they don’t like it. Please be patient, it is all happening, the entire Board and CEO have been sacked in NSW. Watch this space for developments here.
RufusLelevrier Roger Clark Rest assured they will be, GRV still do not have clearance from their legal advisers to even name the perpetrators yet. As soon as they do all names will be revealed. The RSPCA will be laying charges as soon as all legal obstacles are removed. They are the minority and they have the might of the authorities, and the majority against them. Innocent people are being hurt as well and I can tell you they don’t like it. Please be patient, it is all happening, the entire Board and CEO have been sacked in NSW. Watch this space for developments here.
GreyhoundRacing Needs national response, not state by state. This has been a failure in all codes. #AFL federal model needs to apply.
GeoffSlattery KevinPitstock The state based partisan approach in all racing is counter productive to good administration #greyhoundracing
GreyhoundRacing KevinPitstock When will they learn? Sacking all boards etc. is not the answer unless Federal model is applied in response
GreyhoundRacing KevinPitstock When will they learn? Sacking all boards etc. is not the answer unless Federal model is applied in response
TommyBrislane GreyhoundRacing KevinPitstock this State vs State rubbish has to stop. We must ALL work together at a national level!!!