Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: SAFE For Animals
In a judgement released yesterday, the Racing Integrity Board fined Francis McPhee $350 for striking their dog Vegas Chops across her hindquarters. The incident on 11 July 2021 was in full view of spectators and broadcast across Trackside TV.
This is not the first offence of its kind for Aotearoa’s greyhound racing industry. In 2014, a trainer was fined $300 for kicking their greyhound, and in 2015 a $250 fine was issued to a trainer who punched their greyhound.
SAFE spokesperson Will Appelbe said the incident shows how little regard the industry has for these dogs.
“Many greyhounds develop behavioural problems because of their training and upbringing,” said Appelbe. “Hitting dogs is simply unacceptable.”
Last week Labour MP Priyanca Radhakrishnan accepted The Greyhound Protection League of New Zealand’s 37,700 signature-strong petition, calling for a ban on greyhound racing in New Zealand. It’s understood that the Government’s review of the greyhound racing industry is complete, and Racing Minister Grant Robertson is considering its findings.
“Thirty-one dogs are confirmed to have lost their lives in the most recent 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.
– 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 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.
