Dozens of greyhounds have been injured already this year on Tasmanian tracks, and three have been killed.
The greyhound racing has lost any residual social licence because it trades on neglect, abuse, injury and death. This is an industry that is not only on the nose, but is desperate.
After forcing the NSW Baird Liberals to reverse their popular ban in 2016, major industry players are now trying the same here – all with Tasmanian Labor’s talking points.
There are already well-funded mainland operators working on the island trying to save this cruel industry. Their slick campaign and relentless behind the scenes lobbying is targeting undeclared Upper House members.
In NSW, a mega-misinformation and fear campaign driven by the gambling lobby and echoed by a pro-industry Labor/ National/ Shooters and Fishers alliance was ultimately successful in overturning their ban. The industry in New South Wales continues to exploit, maim and kill these gentle dogs for profit.
It’s reasonable to ask, who or which gambling interests are behind this campaign? And how much involvement have their cheerleaders in Tasmanian Labor had?
National heavyweights and gambling interests are now targeting Tasmania because they know it could be the first domino to fall. If we go, it’s only a matter of time before other states feel the same pressure of community expectation – and follow suit.
The greyhound racing phase out legislation will resume debate this year in the Upper House, following the current Joint Standing Committee inquiry into the legislation.
MLCs have the chance to not only save hundreds of Tasmanian dogs but also play a critical part in saving the lives of thousands nationwide.
I urge my kind-hearted Upper House colleagues to resist the powerful gambling and racing interests, and make the compassionate choice to support a fair, compensated industry transition and let greyhounds run free.
