Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: SAFE NZ
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.
Despite the known risks of administering meth to a dog, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not pursue criminal charges under the Animal Welfare Act 1999.
In an email to the Greyhound Protection League, MPI said they don’t have enough evidence to do so.
SAFE spokesperson Will Appelbe said given there was a positive test for meth, this should be an open and shut case.
“Right now, dogs are being drugged in the racing industry,” said Appelbe.
“Why is meth on the dog racing track not treated as seriously as meth on the streets?”
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 side effects, including increased agitation, aggression, seizures, renal failure and even death.
“This dog would have suffered and that’s clearly an offence under the Animal Welfare Act. We urge MPI to open an investigation into this case.”
“The Government is currently reviewing the greyhound racing industry. While this is a positive step, we’re seriously concerned about the ongoing suffering of these dogs.”
“They must move now and suspended racing if they are genuinely concerned about animal welfare.”
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 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 is about to become a thing of the past in the United States.
– Information about greyhound racing in New Zealand.
