Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: SAFE For Animals
Federal Morgan broke his leg in the final race at the “Silver Collar” races at the Auckland Greyhound Racing Club on Sunday 13 June 2021.
Federal Morgan was considered a star performer, who’s trainer Lisa Cole made a late withdrawal of three other dogs so Federal Morgan could run in the final. Federal Morgan was expected to win, and his winnings would have been far greater than the $600 fine for the late withdrawals of the other dogs, which caused strife amongst other trainers.
Race official Danny Laing was also stood down and is now being investigated for wagering during the meeting.
SAFE spokesperson Will Appelbe said it’s no surprise the public has little trust in the greyhound racing industry.
“Trainers were bending the rules and officials were making dodgy bets at the Silver Collar races,” said Appelbe.
“But that behaviour pales in comparison to the pain and anguish Federal Morgan is enduring.”
So far over 30,000 people have signed the petition to ban greyhound racing. The Petition was launched by the Greyhound Protection League New Zealand in partnership with SAFE and Grey2K USA Worldwide.
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 also debated in the UK House of Commons after a 100,000 signature strong petition was submitted.
Here in Aotearoa, Racing Minister Grant Robertson recently announced an independent review of greyhound racing.
“Robertson needs to act now. Every race puts dogs like Federal Morgan at risk of death and painful injury. Dog racing needs to be immediately suspended 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.
