The Victorian Government has announced an investigation into the allegations of animal cruelty in the greyhound racing industry, following graphic footage aired on the ABC’s Four Corners program on Monday.
The secret footage, showing trainers using live pigs and rabbits as bait to train dogs, has led to the standing down of six NSW greyhound trainers, 10 in Victoria and several in Queensland.
Minister for Racing, Martin Pakula said a further investigation would also be conducted by the state’s Racing Integrity Commissioner Sal Perna, in conjunction with Greyhound Racing Victoria.
Addressing media on Tuesday, Mr Perna said the culture of greyhound racing was good, but there were “many questions” to be asked.
He said work on gathering information would begin immediately, but could not provide a timeframe for delivering its findings.
“I’ve not had anything like this before,” he said.
“…This is something that’s come out of the blue and it needs to be fixed right away.”
'Frankly I think the so-called sport should be banned outright'
His comments follow calls by independent politician Andrew Wilkie for an immediate suspension of greyhound racing in the wake of explosive live baiting allegations.
Mr Wilkie said the actions of the trainers were not only cruel, but also undermined the industry.
He said investigations should be launched in all states and territories, short of banning the sport altogether.
“Self-regulation has clearly failed and governments must take over the regulation of the greyhound industry if the public is to have any confidence in its integrity and animal-welfare standards,” he said.
“Many people quite rightly find the whole notion of greyhound racing abhorrent, not least because 18,000 dogs are destroyed annually just because they can’t run fast enough. Frankly I think the so-called sport should be banned outright.”
‘Self-regulation has clearly failed and governments must take over’
Other state governments have also taken action.
The NSW Minister for Hospitality, Gaming and Racing Troy Grant said the footage was shocking, saying that a review of greyhound racing laws will be extended in light of a TV report about animal cruelty in the industry.
In South Australia, the Greens have called for an inquiry into the industry.
MLC Tammy Franks said funding and incentive schemes should also be suspended until the completion of an independent investigation, echoing calls from federal colleague Senator Lee Rhiannon.
Tasmania will also review animal welfare processes in the greyhound industry, while Western Australian Greens spokesman for Racing and Gaming Robin Chapple said an urgent inquiry into the state's greyhound industry was needed.
With AAP.
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