NSW Premier Mike Baird has announced today a statewide ban on all greyhound racing. The decision comes after an extensive period of reviewing the controversial sport, “In response to widespread illegal and unconscionable activity.”
Baird announced that the Special Commission of Inquiry into the greyhound industry more than a year ago has now produced its findings which Baird describes as “damning.” Taking to Facebook, Baird shared some of the results from the commission conducted by former High Court Judge Michael McHugh.
Of the litany of violations, particularly horrible findings have shed light on the mass killing of greyhounds (somewhere between 48,891 and 68,448 dogs were killed within 12 months for being ‘too slow’), the widespread practice of “live baiting”, the systemic deception of the public concerning the numbers of deaths and injuries of dogs.
The evidence collected ruled that the industry was in no shape for reform in the short or medium term either.
Baird said that while the greyhound racing industry adds around 1000 direct jobs into the economy, with apparently 6000 dog trainers, after McHugh posed the question “Do such benefits of the dog racing industry outweigh the shortcomings?” the Government has decided it doesn’t.
Baird expresses his sympathy towards innocent trainers and those who enjoy a punt on the dogs but simply couldn’t justify such systematic and widespread abuse. A plan will be announced in the near future for how the government plans to transition the industry to closure. It’s understood the plan will include support for both the greyhounds and the trainers.
Existing facilities will continue to be used for outdoor recreation.
See Baird’s statement below and you can read the full report here.
