Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: SAFE NZ
Yesterday at Manukau Stadium in Auckland, the greyhound Paris End was euthanised after falling during a race and suffering several fractures. He was just over 3 years old. Five other dogs sustained significant injuries at the same meeting, including fractures, dislocated joints and strained hocks.
Racing Minister Grant Robertson recently announced an independent review of greyhound racing. SAFE spokesperson Will Appelbe said SAFE wants racing suspended until that review is complete.
“How many more deaths will it take before the Minister steps in?” said Appelbe. “Every day they race, dogs are at risk of injury or death.”
Since January, nine dogs have been killed and 395 dogs have been injured, including 54 with broken bones.
“Even one death is one too many. Between the deaths, injuries, and the recent doping scandal involving methamphetamine, we’re seriously concerned about the welfare of dogs in the racing industry,” said Appelbe.
Greyhound racing is under increased scrutiny around the world. Members of the US House of Representatives have filed legislation that would ban greyhound racing. A ban on greyhound racing will be debated in the UK House of Commons after a petition gained over 100,000 signatures.
“Grant Robertson needs to act now. Suspend racing and protect these dogs until the review is complete.”
SAFE is New Zealand’s leading animal rights organisation.
We’re creating a future that ensures the rights of animals are respected. Our core work empowers society to make kinder choices for ourselves, animals and our planet.
– Last month the greyhound trainer Angela Turnwald was fined $3,500 and disqualified for four months after their dog Zipping Sarah tested positive for methamphetamine. The Judicial Control Authority for Racing’s judgement from the case stated that “methamphetamine is a potent central nervous system stimulant which poses significant animal welfare issues” and the level of drugs in the dog’s system was “was particularly large.” In the short term, meth can enhance performance, however there are serious longer-term side effects, including increased agitation, aggression, seizures, renal failure and even death. This was the third doping case in the greyhound racing industry in the last six months, and the second to involve meth.
– Last month, the Government announced a review of the greyhound racing industry, following reports from SAFE, the Greyhound Protection League and Grey2K USA Worldwide of ongoing cruelty within the industry. In the announcement, the Minister for Racing Hon Grant Robertson said he was not satisfied the industry was improving animal welfare, and that Greyhound Racing New Zealand had failed to provide sufficient information on changes they are making.
– The Greyhound Protection League is running a petition which asks Parliament to pass legislation to ban greyhound racing and to require all dogs that have been bred for racing be rehomed and rehabilitated.
– Photos of dogs rescued by the Greyhound Protection League.
– Greyhound racing is legal in only seven countries. A ban in the Australian Capital Territory came into force in April 2018, followed by a ban in Florida, USA, in November 2018. Since Florida is home to 11 of the USA’s 17 active dog tracks, this is a signal that greyhound racing will soon become a thing of the past in the United States.
– Information about greyhound racing in New Zealand.
