Tasmanian MP and greyhound trainer go into battle

A prominent Tasmanian MP and a local greyhound insider reveal why they are on opposing sides of the racing debate.

The heated debate over greyhound racing in Tasmania is intensifying with a high profile MP launching new campaign against government funding of the industry. But insiders say it is a highly accountable and regulated industry and people should take a look themselves. The Mercury canvases both sides of the debate.

Greyhound industry “held to highest standards”

CLAIRE Robins can never see herself without a greyhound in her life.

The 32-year-old hotel supervisor is the youngest person to be elected to the Hobart Greyhound Racing Club committee and is keen to dispel “mistruths” about the industry that she loves.

Ms Robins became interested in greyhounds 12 years ago when she went along to a race meet with a friend.

“From there I gradually became more involved, gaining my catcher’s licence, moving on to my attendance licence then my trainer’s licence,” she said.

“Greyhounds are the most affectionate, loving animals on the planet.

“All they ever want to do is please you.

“It’s disappointing that people naively accept the mistruths that gets posted across all forms of media as gospel.”

Ms Robins said the greyhound racing industry had helped her deal with anxiety and “grow as a person and conquer my fears”.

“I was terrified of big dogs but quickly fell in love with the breed and now can’t see myself without a greyhound in my life.”

The education and encouragement I received from my racing peers has been second to none.”

It was important, she said, to help educate Tasmanians about the industry.

“The general public do not see the hard work and pure commitment involved with training and racing greyhounds.

“We are held to the highest standards as trainers, owners and breeders to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our racing animals.

“The accountability measures in place for our greys, not only during their careers but post career as well, are second to none ensuring each dog has the best opportunities to find a forever home.

“The majority of injuries that occur on track can also occur in a back yard or in an off lead dog track and aren’t solely limited to greyhounds but any breed of dog.

“We encourage anyone to come along to our meetings, tour our facilities, meet us and get to know us before you judge us based on the opinions of others.”

There are 531 licensed participants in greyhound racing which is estimated to contribute $53.2m a year to the economy and 443 jobs.

About 20,000 people attended a greyhound race meeting in the past financial year, the industry says

An HGRC spokesman said “greyhounds were born to run and greyhound racing is not a cruel sport”.

Ending government funding of greyhound racing “no-brainer”

IT is “abhorrent” that the Tasmanian government “condones” animal abuse and gives taxpayers’ money to the greyhound racing industry, independent MP Kristie Johnston says.

The member for Clark has thrown her support behind a petition calling for an end to government funding of greyhound racing.

Ms Johnston said the community had “valid” concerns about the welfare of greyhounds.

“It is no secret that the people of Clark are animal lovers, as am I, and I regularly have concerns about the welfare of the greyhounds in the racing industry raised with me,” she said.

“With horrific reports about the lack of appropriate veterinary care and the general poor welfare of these beautiful dogs, these concerns are very valid.

“The thought that the government condones this abuse through the granting of public money, and so much of it, is abhorrent to me and members of the community.

“It is a no-brainer, and the right thing to do, to stand with members of the community and say no more funding to this industry.”

Independent MP Kristie Johnston with rescued Greyhounds.

Principal petitioner Deb Bauer said Ms Johnston was a grassroots parliamentarian with “her finger on the pulse”.

She said her support was part of the strategy to get independent members to support all dog welfare groups including the RSPCA and Dogs Homes of Tasmania and support the petition.

“We’re really excited that Kristie is backing our campaign. She’s a great dog lover, smart, future focused and she totally gets it.

“We think the smaller parties and the independents are much more in tune with community opinion on this one.

“We know the vast majority of pet dog owners strongly disapprove of greyhound racing and they are shocked when they learn that they are propping it up to the tune of $10m a year; money that could be better spent elsewhere.”

Ms Bauer said based on TasRacing stewards reports there were 15 greyhound track deaths last year and 367 injuries.

Ms Bauer said the government should support people to work in sustainable industries rather than supporting “something as medieval as dog racing”.

The petition has more than 5300 signatures.