The Greens are calling for the Racing Integrity Commissioner to undertake a review of the Tasmanian rules and standards for greyhound racing, with the risks to animal welfare demonstrated yet again on a Launceston track last night.
With rain pouring down and the track essentially underwater, the planned races in Launceston should have been called off. But the rules of racing allowed them to go ahead, with injuries and incidents the inevitable result. That is cruel and unacceptable.
The Greens and three out of four Tasmanians agree that greyhound racing is inherently dangerous for dogs and must be stopped. But for as long as it continues, we need to do everything possible to reduce the harm and risk to these beautiful innocent animals.
We are pleased the government continues to take steps to phase out greyhound racing. Even the industry’s cheerleaders in Tasmanian Labor have said they will defund the industry from 2029. That still means another two and a half years of racing – including in appalling conditions like we’ve seen this week in Launceston.
Ending greyhound racing in Tasmania is the only way to put a stop to the cruelty and devastatingly frequent harm caused by this industry. However, while progress towards ending the industry must be the top priority, that doesn’t mean we can’t improve standards in the meantime.
Weather conditions at races, breeding, transport, and kennelling are all areas covered by the rules and standards of racing where straight forward improvements can be made. This is work we hope the Racing Integrity Commissioner will seriously consider and undertake.
