Source: SAFE For Animals
A man whom SAFE understands is a greyhound racing trainer has been prosecuted for failing to ensure a greyhound received treatment alleviating any pain or distress. The greyhound had a catastrophic injury that went untreated for years.
SAFE Campaign Manager Anna de Roo says this greyhound suffered needlessly.
“This case is hugely distressing, with a greyhound forced to suffer continuous pain and suffering for years,” says de Roo.
“Unfortunately, this is not a one-off. Animal suffering permeates the entire greyhound racing industry. Not only does the racing itself maim and harm the dogs, as we saw just earlier this week with a greyhound requiring tail amputation – but there are constant cases of neglect and harm coming out of the industry.”
In the previous year alone the greyhound racing industry has had four methamphetamine cases, greyhounds left at rehoming centres partially blind and with untreated wounds, and a statement that “almost all” kennels visited since the Racing Integrity’s Board’s inception were issued with health and welfare improvement notices.
“People have made their voice loud and clear on this issue. Over 37,000 people signed the petition for a ban, over 11,000 people emailed the Minister with their concerns, and a poll shows that 74% of New Zealand would vote to ban greyhound racing in a referendum.”
“Public opinion is well and truly against this industry, and for good reason. The Government needs to act with urgency and announce a ban on greyhound racing.”
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– A poll by Cammora Research ltd. found 74% of New Zealanders would vote to ban greyhound racing in a referendum.
– A 2021 petition demanding a ban on greyhound racing accrued over 37,000 signatures.
– Following a review of the greyhound racing industry, Grant Robertson, the previous Racing Minister, stated there are three fundamental issues that still need to be addressed; data recording, transparency of all activities, and animal welfare generally. He tasked the Racing Integrity board to identify a specific set of indicators over each of these areas that will be used to assess the industry’s progress, reporting back to the Minister before the end of 2022.
– In August 2021, 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. SAFE had been supporting the petition since November 2020.
– 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.
