Parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald, and member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, have announced they will both be voting to ban the greyhound racing industry in NSW.
“In politics, an issue sometimes comes to the fore that clearly defi nes values and principles,” Mr MacDonald said. “I regard the announcement by NSW premier, Mr Mike Baird, of the closure of the Greyhound industry in NSW, as one of those landmark moments,” he said. According to Mr MacDonald, Central Coast residents “need to be absolutely clear on how the Central Coast members of parliament sit on this matter and the consequences of their votes. “The Labor MPs David Harris, David Mehan and Yasmin Catley are proposing to vote against the banning of the sport and transition measures,” Mr MacDonald said. “Kathy Smith MP is on extended sick leave.
“My colleague Adam Crouch MP and I will be voting to ban the industry. “The 2013 NSW Legislative Council Inquiry into Greyhound Racing and subsequent Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry both found systemic, institutional governance failures, covering up or failing to address on-going animal welfare abuse, including live-baiting in training. “Much of the media has focused on Greyhound deaths. “To my mind, the litany of injuries is at least as shocking. “The NSW Government acknowledges there are many owners who care very much for their animals. “They should direct their frustration at the leadership of their sport. “Of course the legislation will not impact owners who keep Greyhounds as companions. “So we know from past inquiries and history, the ALP decision to fi ght the ban, if successful, would lead to horrifi c dog injuries and deaths and most likely underground activities including live-baiting (using cats, rabbits and possums),” Mr MacDonald said.
Email, Jul 31, 2016 Scot MacDonald, parliamentary secretary for the Central Coast