While regrettable for the greyhounds of Tasmania, we understand the government’s decision to pause debate on the greyhound racing phase out Bill. The delay does mean the fate of hundreds of dogs still hangs in the balance, however, there is still hope.
We’re glad this bill is still alive, despite the delay. The same, sadly, cannot be said for the ten racing greyhounds who have already died this year.
The greyhound racing industry is unpopular. The majority of Tasmanians don’t support it because they know it causes unacceptably high rates of death and injury.
If MLCs needed evidence of the industry’s brutality and opacity, the story of Dexter the one-eared greyhound surrendered to the Dogs Home speaks volumes. Dexter was abandoned, without a documented history – and the state-owned racing entity, TasRacing, unable – or unwilling – to cooperate with rehomers.
That said, in yesterday’s debate there were valid questions raised that require a response from government ahead of a final vote on this Bill.
We hope the government will provide undecided MLCs with the information they need over this time. More so, we hope those Legislative Councillors will take the time being given to them to have all the answers in good faith.
All eyes will surely be on Labor this weekend at their long-overdue state conference. We know young Labor don’t support greyhound racing, we know Labor luminaries don’t – but, sadly for sentient, exploited greyhounds – apparently Josh Willie and his colleagues do.
