Premier rules out shutting down greyhound racing in NSW after explosive report

Premier Chris Minns says allegations of systemic animal cruelty in the NSW greyhound racing industry will be investigated but ruled out shutting down the sport.

An explosive report by Greyhound Racing NSW former chief vet alleged re-homing rates were inflated, dogs raced at unhealthy intensity were suffering a massive rise in injuries and most were then left to “live out their miserable post-racing lives in industrial kennels”.

Despite allegations of animal welfare abuses, the premier says the sport will continue in NSW.Credit: AAPIMAGE

The allegations come eight years since a report by a retired High Court judge found the industry had “fundamental animal welfare issues, integrity and governance failings that cannot be remedied”.

NSW Gaming Minister David Harris said an inquiry would investigate the most recent revelations.

On Wednesday, Minns ruled out shutting down the greyhound racing industry in NSW.

“Look, we’re not going to shut down the industry but we do take this report seriously,” Minns said. “And I know that it’s the minister [who] is assessing the criticisms ... they’ll be investigated, they’ll be fully investigated.”

Racing Minister David Harris and Premier Chris Minns answer questions about the greyhound racing industry on Wednesday.Credit: Kate Geraghty

Asked why he had ruled out shutting down greyhound racing before an inquiry into the allegations could make any findings, Minns said: “You deserve a direct answer and we’re not going to shut it down.”

Harris said the allegations raised by the departing chief vet would be investigated by the inquiry.

“Some of these issues can be worked out. And we are working on putting together the final parts of an inquiry to look into the details that have been raised not just in this report [and] in other reports, and we want to make sure that we have a clear pathway going forward that has clear definitions in place about how the sport should be run,” he said.

Asked about distressing footage of two-year-old greyhound Joyous Treasure crashing and breaking her neck, Harris said the government was trying to ensure that the highest possible safety standards were in place.

‘This is not about closing the industry down. It’s about making sure that they can be the best they can be. I don’t apologise for that.’

NSW Gaming Minister David Harris

“And we’ve been working are trying to work with the industry to get funds out to improve track safety that has been one of my highest priorities,” he said.

“This is not about closing the industry down. It’s about making sure that they can be the best that they can be. I don’t apologise for that.”

Harris had requested a copy of the document from Greyhound Racing NSW when he heard about the report by the chief vet on June 18, and referred it to “appropriate integrity and enforcement bodies”.

He has also asked the GRNSW board to show cause as to why it should not be stood down.

GRNSW on Tuesday announced the resignation of chief executive officer Robert Macaulay, with deputy Wayne Billett named acting CEO while they search for a full-time replacement.

“Mr Macaulay’s decision to resign was an amicable one, and one he felt was best for the industry at this time,” GRNSW said in a statement. “The board wishes to acknowledge his service and leadership of the organisation over the last two years.”

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