Greyhound NSW ban: Dog races suspended for seven days after government announces ban

GREYHOUNDS NSW suspended racing today after the state government announced a total ban on the sport from next year. At Maitland dogs, punters and officials didn’t get the word until race one was underway, making them the only dog track to race.

Dogs enter final preparations for the first race at Maitland. Picture: Neil Keene

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GREYHOUND racing has been suspended across NSW, effective immediately, after the NSW government announced a total ban on the sport from next year.

Greyhound Racing NSW announcement the seven day shut down this afternoon via a statement.

“Given today’s announcement, GRNSW has made the decision to suspend greyhound racing for the next seven days beginning with immediate effect,” the organisation said.

“Today is an extremely sad day for the NSW greyhound racing industry and the people involved in it.”

Greyhound trainers and attendants during final preparations for the first race at Maitland today. Picture: Neil Keene

Punters and trainers at Maitland dogs seemed unaware this afternoon as they gathered for the first race.

A GRNSW spokesman said word did not reach the track until after the first race had started, making Maitland the only NSW dog track to race this afternoon.

An afternoon at Maitland greyhound track is usually a quiet affair — dogs going around, clusters of punters quietly sharing yarns and tips as they lean on the track fence, cradling a beer and a pie.

But not today.

Hunter Valley owner, trainer and breeder James Porter said the move would all but ruin him.

The father-of-three sold his dream house and business last year to invest $1 million into a tailor-made greyhound property, complete with air-conditioned canine accommodation and open exercise runs.

“I grew up in this industry with my dad, and that’s all I wanted to do with my kids as well,” he said.

“Now this is happening because of a minority.

“My whole place has been built to greyhound specifications and now it’s no good for anything. What am I going to put in the dog runs now — sheep?”

Warren Kelly, 80, has been training greyhounds since he was 18. Picture: Peter Lorimer.

“The people who have caused it to come to this don’t know anything about the industry.”

“I’ve been a Liberals supporter and a Mike Baird supporter for a long time but this is just rubbish.”

Breeder Jodie Manuel said two of her champion bitches had just given birth to a litter of pups.

Before today’s announcement, each would have been worth up to $20,000 in NSW racing circles.

Now, their value is anyone’s guess.

Charmaine Roberts and Ange Kilpatrick from Keeping Kennels in Dubbo at Maitland this afternoon. Picture by Peter Lorimer.

“I’m gutted. The government and the greenies picked on the one per

cent of us who don’t love their dogs,” she said.

Lindsay Davis, standing beside her young children by the track to watch their dogs go around, said the future welfare of her canines and an estimated 10,000 more bred within the industry was her main concern.

Her family has more than 30 dogs currently, but she said there would be no possibility of maintaining such a large number of animals without a local industry in which they could race.

The shock announcement to stop racing follows NSW Premier Mike Baird’s decision today to shut down greyhound racing in the state from July next year, in the wake of a damning report into the industry.

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”.

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”.

Greyhounds being loaded up at Maitland dogs just before the suspension was announced. Picture: Peter Lorimer.

The allegations first came to light last year after a special 4 Corners report that obtained footage of dogs being “blooded” by trainers and owners, using live bait.

“The greyhound racing industry is devastated by today’s decision by the NSW Government to shut down the sport in NSW,” GRNSW said.

“Around our state there are many thousands of responsible participants who treat their greyhounds like family who are involved in the greyhound racing industry either through training, racing or supporting the sport.”

Dog tracks across the state were set to host race meets, including a 3.23pm race at Maitland and a 3.26pm race at Casino.

The front entrance to Maitland dogs. Racing was suspended this afternoon, but races continued to run at the Hunter track. Picture by Peter Lorimer.

It is understood race organisers were informed of the change shortly before the races were due to jump.

GRNSW employs about 10,000 people including breeders, trainers and pen attendants.

Originally published as Greyhound NSW ban: Dog races suspended for seven days after government announces ban