The cynicism of the greyhound racing industry is again on display as it exploits International Women’s Day to preserve its social licence and ensure ongoing business.
Numerous industry-generated articles have praised the industry’s recruitment of women in the lead-up to International Women’s Day on 8 March 2024, including:
- https://www.lismorecitynews.
com.au/story/8543401/ empowering-women-in-greyhound- racing-with-sarah-monaghan/ - https://northern.starweekly.
com.au/in-business/dr-backhoy- the-first-female-chairperson- of-the-mgra/ - https://coastcommunitynews.
com.au/central-coast/news/ 2023/12/landmark-gosford- greyhound-meet-sees-all- female-officials/ - https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-
releases/first-all-female- greyhound-steward-panel
The newly appointed CEO of NSW Greyhound Breeders, Owners, and Trainers Association (GBOTA), Daniel Weizman, said in February 2024 that among his focus was attracting “women to join the industry.”
The first race at Traralgon on 8 March, a track that has killed many female greyhounds, marks International Women’s Day.
More hypocrisy from the cruel racing industry
The hypocrisy of this focus is revealed when one learns that greyhound racing uses a breeding procedure that has been banned overseas because of its cruelty to female greyhounds.
Surgical artificial insemination (SAI) is a brutal and invasive procedure that involves removing the uterus and inseminating it, then returning it to the abdomen.
SAI is opposed by the RSPCA, Australian Veterinary Association, and all animal welfare advocates. It is banned in a number of countries including the UK where it is prohibited under surgical mutilation legislation.
The SA Government’s Ashton Inquiry in 2023 recommended that “Greyhound Racing SA immediately ban the use of Surgical Artificial Insemination in the South Australian Greyhound Industry. Any participant who knowingly utilises this method of breeding either directly or indirectly should be the subject of a disciplinary offence.”
A CPG spokesperson said: “Greyhound racing is trying to recruit more women because the industry is still largely based on middle-aged men. It’s also trying to preserve its social licence by feigning concern for society.
“Another tactic is to become involved in causes such as cancer charities. While these cynical ploys aim to detract the public from animal welfare abuses, the appalling treatment of greyhounds is all too apparent.”