The Australian greyhound racing industry is taking action against industry participants caught engaging in the illegal practice of live baiting.
Ahead of ABC’s Four Corners investigation revealing alarming evidence of the practice, the industry controlling authorities in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland moved to suspend or stand down 23 participants alleged to have been involved in live baiting. Last week, Greyhounds Australasia instigated an urgent review of all national and local trial arm lure rules and will appoint an independent probity auditor to assess the industry’s current greyhound welfare and integrity rules and policies and recommend any changes required to ensure we are meeting the community’s expectations.
Scott Parker, CEO of Greyhounds Australasia, the peak body for the industry in Australia and New Zealand, said: “I am appalled at some of the footage shown on the Four Corners program. The use of live animals to train greyhounds is disgusting, illegal, unethical and totally rejected by the industry.
“I am very disappointed that a number of our participants apparently have no respect for the law in their desire to succeed. The 30,000 participants who play by the rules have had their reputations severely and unfairly damaged by this appalling conduct.
“The industry accepts responsibility for doing more to rid the sport of this illegal and immoral practice. Racing Queensland Ltd has already announced the establishment of an independent taskforce to investigate the issue and other independent reviews in other states are likely to be announced in the next 24 hours.
“I call on every one of our licensed participants to make sure they support the work of their controlling authority at all times and contribute to the ongoing success of their valued and rewarding industry,” Mr Parker said.
