Animal Welfare – Petition to ban greyhound racing heading to Parliament on Wednesday

Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: SAFE For Animals
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SAFE and the Greyhound Protection League are delivering their 37,000 strong petition to Parliament on Wednesday, which calls for a ban on greyhound racing and to rehabilitate and rehome all dogs bred for racing. This petition was supported by Grey2K USA Worldwide.
The greyhound racing industry has killed 31 dogs on its racetracks during the 2020/21 season, compared to 34 in the previous season. According to Greyhound Racing New Zealand’s annual report, a further 165 dogs were reported to have been killed during the 2019/20 season for ‘other’ reasons. It was later revealed that 47 sudden deaths occurred that were not included in the report.
SAFE spokesperson Will Appelbe said the petition shows that the social licence for dog racing has expired.
“This industry is killing hundreds of dogs every year. People are justifiably outraged,” said Appelbe.
“It is unacceptable for dogs to risk injury and death for the sake of gambling.”
The petition will be handed over to Labour MP Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan at an event on Parliament steps. Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick will also be in attendance and speaking at the event.
“Thirty one dogs are confirmed to have lost their lives this season and hundreds have been injured. How many more dogs must suffer before the Government acts? These dogs belong on the couch, not the racetrack.”
“As one of only a handful of countries that allows dog racing, it’s time for Aotearoa to find other ways to amuse ourselves that don’t needlessly put the lives of dogs at risk.”
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.
The event handover will begin on Parliament steps at 1pm on Wednesday 3 August 2021. Event officials and a media spokesperson will be present from 12pm. We will hold a minute’s silence for the 31 dogs who have lost their lives this greyhound racing season.
Speakers will include SAFE CEO Debra Ashton, Greyhound Protection League spokespeople Emily Robertson and Aaron Cross, Labour MP Hon Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Green MP Chlöe Swarbrick, and year 13 student and animal advocate Holly O’Connor.
Notes:
– In April, 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.
– Greyhound Racing New Zealand’s 2020 annual report.
– 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.

MIL OSI