by Sue Osborne, Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds
When I am out walking my greyhound Barry, I frequently get chatting with other dog walkers or passersby who are interested in finding out about his history.
When I start talking about greyhound racing, I am astounded by the number of people who think greyhound racing in NSW was banned years ago. They look at me open mouthed when I tell them greyhound racing is unfortunately alive and well in NSW.
This is frustrating, because how can we campaign against something people don’t even know exists?
It also shows how niche greyhound racing is, and how bizarre it is the current ALP government is going to great lengths to protect it, covering up the latest inquiry into the industry and providing it with huge amounts of financial support.
The history of the ‘ban’
Back in February 2015, there was a shocking Four Corners program on the ABC which revealed widespread and long-term use of live animals such as pigs, cats and rabbits to bait greyhounds.
There was an inquiry, full of shocking revelations of cruelty and improper behaviour by officials, and this led the NSW Liberal leader Mike Baird to ban greyhound racing in NSW in July 2016
However, just three months later, due to a campaign by the ALP and the greyhound racing industry, the ban was overturned. It’s worth noting Mike Baird had dinner with Alan Jones the night before he reversed the ban.
It seems the ban received more publicity than the reversal, as so many apparently well-educated dog lovers think the ban is still in place. Perhaps they cannot comprehend that such a cruel and pointless industry still exists.
Sadly, it does, and people should know that the NSW State Government continues to waste millions of taxpayers’ dollars every year on an activity which has no purpose apart from parting hapless gamblers from their money.
It’s cruel to problem gamblers, it’s cruel to dogs and its cruel to taxpayers expecting their money to be spent on hospital and schools, not prizes for greedy greyhound trainers.
Shamefully, Australia hosts the biggest greyhound racing industry in the world, with tracks in all states and territories except the ACT. Tasmania will phase out racing by 2029.
The best ambassadors for a ban
Gorgeous rescue greyhounds are a great way of spreading awareness in the community, so I’ll keep talking on my dog walks.
When I explain the facts to them, most people are shocked and want an end to this so called “sport”. Politicians need to receive this message loud and clear.
Let’s get this cruel industry banned everywhere once and for all.
