Central Coast animal activists have slammed Member for Wyong and Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris for not shutting down the greyhound racing industry in the light of a recent “handover report” from former Greyhound Racing chief veterinary officer Alex Brittan.
The report, released and then withdrawn last week, said it was “utterly immoral” to allow more dogs to enter the industry until the existing backlog of unhomed greyhounds is acknowledged and addressed.
Greyhound Racing NSW CEO Rob Macaulay resigned the day the report was made public.
In response, Harris and Premier Chris Minns announced that mediator and investigator Lea Drake would lead an inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) as an Acting Commissioner of the NSW Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) with a report to be handed down in December.
“The inquiry will examine complaints about GRNSW’s governance and operations, track safety and animal welfare issues, including claims made by whistleblowers,” they said.
“The inquiry will be conducted in accordance with GWIC’s powers under Part 8 of the Greyhound Racing Act 2017 (the Act) and cover issues including: greyhound welfare and the care of greyhounds by GRNSW, including adoption and rehoming programs; GRNSW processes and management, including procurement and recruitment practices; GRNSW reporting and accuracy in relation to greyhounds; and GRNSW management’s response to complaints or concerns about organisational and workplace culture and conduct.”
But animal welfare spokesperson Emily McCallum, who contested the seat of Gosford for the Animal Justice Party in 2023, said the internal investigation was a “grossly inadequate” response, with activists doubtful GWIC would conduct an impartial investigation.
Amanda Brewer, owner of Happily Ever After Hounds at Mangrove Mountain and guardian to two rescued greyhounds, said she was on the frontline, witnessing the fate of “these beautiful dogs” once they were no longer profitable for their trainers.
“Many arrive scared, injured and traumatised,” she said.
“We are already overwhelmed by the number of surrenders of greyhounds and now, with the recent sudden closure of GAP at Wyee (Greyhounds As Pets animal shelter), rescue groups like mine are facing a crisis in our efforts to save these dogs.”
Workers were stunned when the Wyee facility was closed without warning in June, to be “repurposed”.
NSW Director of the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds Kylie Field said recent revelations showed that greyhound racing was “cruel and barbaric”.
“Reform has failed; it must be shut down,” she said.
“The Greyhound Racing NSW rehoming program is a disaster, and the Wyee GAP facility was plagued by claims of abuse and neglect.
“The industry continues to breed four times more dogs than it can rehome.
“This will only get worse as GRNSW ignores calls for a breeding cap.”
She called for a totally independent inquiry with results to be made public.
Harris said other steps already taken to ensure the highest standards of integrity and animal welfare include: referring serious allegations where appropriate to the relevant authorities for consideration, including the Independent Commission Against Corruption; updating regulations under the Act to give the Minister more flexibility to make an order to remove the GRNSW Board and appoint an administrator in circumstances where he has lost confidence with the Board; requesting the GRNSW Board show cause to the Minister as to why its members should not be stood down from their positions; and asking GWIC to conduct a separate review of claims about the operation of GRNSW’s Wyee rehoming facility following concerns about the treatment of greyhounds housed there.
“I am absolutely committed to ensuring a competitive, responsible and sustainable greyhound racing industry, with the highest standards of animal welfare and integrity,” Harris said.
“It is important that the governing bodies and senior leadership of the racing codes meet these standards.
“I take these various concerns about GRNSW very seriously and this inquiry, using the full investigative powers of GWIC, will conduct a thorough and wide-ranging review of all relevant issues.
“Ms Drake is eminently qualified to lead this inquiry.
“The Acting Commissioner is to report back to me by December 13.
“The NSW Government will continue to work with GRNSW and industry participants to ensure the viability and longevity of the industry in NSW and to make it the best it can be.”
Terry Collins