A dozen passionate Central Coast locals joined 100 protesters at a rally urging a ban on greyhound racing in Sydney on August 17.
Rally-goers gathered in Martin Place to demand the NSW Government reinstate the ban on greyhound racing, many of them bringing their beloved pet greyhounds, holding handmade signs and sharing stories about the cruelty and suffering inflicted upon the animals.
The event featured powerful speeches from prominent figures including Emma Hurst MLC (Animal Justice Party), Abigail Boyd MLC (The Greens), Independent Member for Sydney Alex Greenwich, Lord Mayor Clover Moore, Dr Kate Adams from Bondi Vet, and Kylie Field from the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds.
They spoke about the ongoing cruelty and misconduct within the greyhound racing industry, leaving attendees moved and shocked.
Central Coast animal advocate Emily McCallum was one of those attending, along with Samantha (surname withheld), a former employee of the Greyhound Adoption Program (GAP) facility in Wyee.
She was deeply distressed after being sacked along with her colleagues in May.
“I was heartbroken when I lost my job and was locked out of the facility,” Samantha said.
“Not being able to say goodbye to the dogs I had cared for and grown so close to was devastating.
“They were not just animals; they were like family to me.”
McCallum, who is deputy group leader of the Animal Justice Party’s (AJP) Central Coast group, has been working with the party and a number of animal welfare groups on the issue.
“It’s heartbreaking to see photos of blood-stained enclosures, horrific injuries and scratch marks where dogs have desperately tried to escape, while the Labor Government ignores our pleas for help,” she said.
“Referring these matters to the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) for investigation is merely lip service and a total conflict of interest, as this body has failed to address the cruelty and misconduct in the industry for seven years.
“The refusal of Minister for Racing and Member for Wyong David Harris and Premier Chris Minns to ban this cruel industry shows their disregard for animal welfare and community concern.
“Given the persistent abuse and suffering, a complete ban is the only way to end the cruelty inflicted by the greyhound racing industry.
“We remain committed to fighting for these greyhounds and will not be silenced.”
Animal advocates will unite once more outside Wentworth Park during the Million Dollar Chase greyhound race on October 18.