NSW greyhound racing industry to be shut down from 2017
NSW will become the first state to shut down greyhound racing in response to “widespread illegal and unconscionable activity, including the slaughtering of tens of thousands of dogs” Mike Baird has announced.
NSW
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GREYHOUND racing is to be shut down in NSW following the livebaiting scandal.
Premier Mike Baird announced the decision on Thursday, saying that the industry will be closed completely from July next year.
It follows a Special Commission of Inquiry, the findings of which were handed to the state government last week.
The ABC uncovered the livebaiting scandal last year, showing disturbing footage of live animals being used to train greyhounds.
Mr Baird said the Special Commissions of Inquiry’s report found that between 48,000 and 68,000 greyhounds bred to race were killed in the past 12 years because they were deemed “uncompetitive”.
Animal welfare group praise ban as ‘historic day in Australia’
The report also found that “up to 20 per cent of trainers engage in live baiting and 180 greyhounds a year sustain catastrophic injuries during races, such as skull fractures and broken backs that resulted in their immediate deaths”.
The ban will come into effect on July 1, 2017.
Commissioner Michael McHugh recommended Parliament consider whether the industry should be shut down.
“As a humane and responsible government, we are left with no acceptable course of action except to close this industry down,” Mr Baird said.
‘Chilling’ report led to ban: Premier
Mr Baird said Commissioner McHugh’s report was “chilling, confronting, horrific”.
“He has shone a light on an industry that has overseen the slaughter of tens of thousands of healthy dogs whose only crime was they weren’t fast enough.
“He’s also shown an industry that has turned a blind eye to the barbaric practice of live-baiting. “The industry has a culture of deception. Indeed the Commissioner has found that it is no longer entitled to the trust of the community.
“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.”
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 animal welfare organisations”.
The plan is likely to include a strategy for rehoming existing racing dogs, an “adjustment package” for those working in the industry and the shut down of Greyhound Racing NSW.
Following the formal announcement, Mr Baird took to Facebook to explain the reasoning.
“I feel much empathy for innocent trainers and those who will lose their job or hobby as a result of this,” he posted.
“And I understand the disappointment of people who enjoy having a punt on the dogs. But we simply cannot and will not standby and allow the widespread and systemic mistreatment of animals.”
In response, one poster replied: “I’ve always wanted to see Wentworth park sold off so we can have more units in the area! Great location! Your mates will make a fortune.”
The premier responded almost immediately, ruling out any such developments.
“We will be ensuring these spaces are used for the community — whether it is open space, sporting facilities or other community use. They will not used or sold off for high rise or other residential development. We will be engaging extensively with the community on this. Thanks for raising it. Cheers, Mike.”
Deputy Premier Troy Grant described the publication of the report as a “bloody awful day” and said Greyhound NSW actively chose to ignore the issue of live baiting.
“It is an issue that has been prevalent in the industry and worse still, known by those who govern it.
“Evidence in this report shows that on two clear occasions they had the opportunity, at governance and board level to address it and rectify it.
“They chose to ignore it.”
Reactions to NSW ban on greyhound racing
He said NSW was the first Australian state to ban greyhound racing but but it followed a growing trend across the US and world.
The ACT announced its intentions to follow suit this evening.
But Mr Baird’s decision has blindsided industry bosses who are scrambling to meet for urgent damage control talks.
Greyhound Racing NSW this afternoon announced racing would be suspended for the next seven days.
Greyhound Racing New South Wales media general manager Michael East admitted the Baird government had kept them in the dark about the report’s findings.
“We were aware the report had been handed down and that it was always an option but we had not been told it was going to happen,” he said.
“I just found out then. I need to talk to our CEO before saying anything.”
A lucrative industry
Federal Nationals MP for Riverina Michael McCormack also came out against the move.
“For some it is just a hobby — a bit of fun. For others it is more serious — a secondary income to help pay a few bills. What greyhound racing has done on a larger scale though is tap into the lucrative NSW TAB pool, helping regional clubs to continue racing and providing prizemoney to keep owners and trainers chasing the stakes events and major races. All that ended today,” he said.
“Why should the whole industry have to suffer the consequences? More regulation was needed — no argument — but not a blanket ban.”
In response to the government announcement, Tabcorp said NSW greyhound racing represents around 5 per cent of the company’s total wagering turnover.
“However, Tabcorp expects a significant level of substitution will occur to other wagering
product, such as thoroughbred racing, harness racing, sport and animated racing,” a spokesman said.
“Tabcorp’s media business, Sky Racing, will work with other Australian and international
racing industry bodies to source alternative racing product.”
Tabcorp share prices closed down by 4.36 per cent this evening.
What’s next for the dogs?
From July 1 next year the government will roll out a transition plan for the NSW greyhound industry, including:
— A welfare plan for existing greyhounds, including opportunities for rehoming;
— An adjustment package for industry participants; and
— A transition arrangement for existing Greyhound Racing NSW assets that will ensure they are used for open public space, alternative sporting facilities or other community use.
The government will prepare and consult on legislation to be presented to Parliament to cease the industry’s operation and to appoint an administrator for Greyhound Racing NSW.
GREYHOUND INDUSTRY KEY FIGURES:
* About 17,500 greyhound pups are born in Australia each year, with NSW having the biggest number — 8000 in 2014
* 7000 of the 17,500 pups born (40 per cent) will never race
* Only 600 greyhounds are “rehomed” annually under Greyhounds As Pets programs
* Confidential April 2015 Greyhounds Australasia report says the industry is “responsible for the unnecessary deaths of anywhere between 13,000 and 17,000 healthy greyhounds a year”
* 74 per cent to 96 per cent of greyhounds are put down before the age of 42 months
* The RSPCA has a euthanasia rate of 15.9 per cent
* Australia has 3800 active greyhound breeders.
TIMELINE OF A SCANDAL:
* February 16 2015: Four Corners reveals the use of live piglets, possums and rabbits to train greyhounds across three states.
* Early 2015: Following the report there is wide condemnation of trainers.
* May 6 2015: Honourable Michael McHugh AC QC appointed to head up an inquiry into the NSW greyhound industry.
* June 2 2015: Queensland abolishes all racing boards in response to the growing scandal.
* Late 2015-early 2016: NSW and Queensland police charge several greyhound trainers with livebaiting.
* June 16 2016: Commissioner McHugh hands down his report.
* July 7 2016: NSW Premier Mike Baird announces industry shut down based on the report.
* July 1 2017: NSW greyhound racing industry to be shut down.
The full inquiry can be viewed here.
Call 1800 812 115 for more information about support services for existing greyhounds and industry participants or visit theOffice of Racing website
LIST OF NSW GREYHOUND TRACKS:
Albury Greyhound Racing Track
Appin Way Greyhound Racing Track
Armidale Greyhound Racing Track
Bathurst Grey
Racing Track
Hound Racing Track
Border Park Greyhound Racing Track
Broken Hill Greyhound Racing Track
Bulli Greyhound Racing Track
Casino Greyhound Racing Track
Cessnock Greyhound Racing Track
Coonabarabran Greyhound Racing Club
Coonamble Greyhound Racing Track
Cowra Greyhound Racing track
Dapto Greyhound Racing Track
Dubbo Greyhound Racing Track
Forbes Greyhound Racing Track
Gosford Greyhound Racing Track
Goulburn Greyhound Racing Track
Grafton Greyhound Racing Track
Gunnedah Greyhound Racing Track
Kempsey Greyhound Racing Track
Lismore Greyhound Racing Track
Lithgow Greyhound
Maitland Greyhound Racing Track
Morree Greyhound Racing Track
Mudgee Greyhound Racing Track
Muswellbrook Greyhound Racing Track
Nowra Greyhound Racing Track
Orange Greyhound Racing Track
Potts Park Greyhound Racing Track
Richmond Greyhound Racing Track
Singleton Greyhound Racing Track
South Coast Greyhound Racing Track
Tamworth Greyhound Racing Track
Taree Greyhound Racing Track
Wentworth Park
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