Peter Gee becomes ambassador for campaign to end taxpayer funding of greyhound racing

Respected and admired broadcaster Peter Gee is the latest Tasmanian to join the campaign to end taxpayer funding of greyhound racing. Read why Laddie changed his views.

Peter Gee with is greyhound Laddie. Peter Gee former sports broadcaster is the latest high-profile Tasmanian to step forward as an ambassador for the campaign to end taxpayer funded greyhound racing in Tasmania. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Prominent former journalist and broadcaster Peter Gee has joined the campaign to end taxpayer funded greyhound racing saying there is no need to continue to “prop up” the industry.

Mr Gee, who retired from the ABC in 2018, is the newest ambassador to join the 12 community organisations lobbying to end funding, along with Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary founder Greg irons and radio host Christie Hayes.

Racing Minister Jane Howlett has ruled out any ban on greyhound racing and says she is trying to improve animal welfare outcomes

Peter Gee with is greyhound Laddie. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Mr Gee said he had attended greyhound races at the TCA ground in Hobart and at Tattersall’s Park and has friends and associates who are involved in the sport but adopting a retired greyhound had led to a deeper understanding about the death and injury rates.

“There’s no doubt some owners and trainers — perhaps the vast majority — love their dogs,” Mr Gee said.

“But there’s no escaping the fact that they are still willing to shove them into a box at the track, along with seven other dogs, and play Russian roulette with their lives every week or two.

“I think the writing is well and truly on the wall for the ‘industry’.

“It’s not going to happen overnight but with New Zealand’s phasing out of greyhound racing I’d like to think it’s only a matter of time here.

“I certainly think the Tasmanian taxpayer should not be propping up a ‘sport’ that only owners and trainers of the racing dogs go to watch.”

Christie Hayes actor and radio announcer with greyhound Gracie-May along with Greg Irons director of Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary with greyhound Jimmy. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The campaign to end taxpayer funded greyhound racing by 2029 includes RSPCA Tasmania, Dogs Homes of Tasmania, the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds and the Companion Animal Network of Australia, 24 vets and 16 vet nurses.

Spokeswoman Deborah Fleming is delighted that Mr Gee will be an ambassador.

“Peter understands farming people and racing folk,” she said.

“He talks their language and we feel that will be helpful in terms of better educating people about the problems with the industry.”

Mr Gee said most Tasmanians opposed taxpayer funding of greyhound racing.

“You can’t close your eyes and you can’t simply choose to unsee the sad stories and the suffering,” he said.

“In Tasmania 79 per cent of the population statewide oppose our taxes being used to prop it up and it is probably time for politicians to start listening to them.

“Put simply the greyhound racing industry’s time is up.”

Government introduces free greyhound de-sexing for adopted dogs. Tas Racing CEO, Paul Eriksson, adopted greyhound owners Sharyn Marshall and Carol Timbrell and Minister Jane Howlett. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Ms Howlett said the three codes of racing generate nearly $208m in economic activity for Tasmania a year.

“Those who are genuine in their desire for better animal welfare outcomes, should work with the government, Tasracing, Commissioner Carroll and the Racing Integrity Commission to drive greater animal welfare outcomes in racing,” she said.

“We share the community’s desire to ensure greyhounds are treated with dignity at all stages of their life.

“We are improving animal welfare and restoring trust and faith in the industry.”

Laddie changes Peter Gee’s view on greyhound racing

Peter Gee describes his adopted retired greyhound Laddie as “gentle, patient and quirky”.

When he was growing up on a farm near Geelong there was no such thing as a pet greyhound.

Mr Gee’s wife Larainne was the driving force behind getting Laddie having wanted to adopt a rescued greyhound since the death of their little chihuahua/terrier cross.

He was four years old and only a few days out of racing.

Peter Gee’s greyhound Laddie. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“He’s nine now and owning him has certainly made me think more than just superficially about the lives greyhounds lead.

“Laddie and every other greyhound I’ve subsequently met since we brought him home has taught me that all the stories I’d heard about the breed being a vicious hunting machine were wrong.

“He is so easy to look after.

“I’m sure there are individual dogs who are unsuitable for rehoming that we don’t get to see but whose fault is that?

“Sure, humans created the modern greyhound but despite all we’ve tried to do to them over the centuries we’ve been unable to change their inherent nature which is sensitive, loyal and loveable.”

Mr Gee said when he’d occasionally attended greyhound race meetings in the 1980s he’d enjoyed the spectacle and listening to the race calls but “as for how the greyhounds themselves were faring I barely gave it a thought”.

But having Laddie has led to his view that taxpayer funding of greyhound racing must end.

Originally published as Peter Gee becomes ambassador for campaign to end taxpayer funding of greyhound racing