Hidden side of greyhound racing

I am writing in response to the recent comments made in Forum by Mr Simmons and Mr DeGuara, both greyhound trainers.

If all greyhounds were truly cared for around the clock by their owners, how do we explain the 139 charges laid against 64 participants in greyhound racing in the past eight months alone?

Just last month, a trainer was charged on multiple counts of neglect, including failing to provide appropriate bedding and necessary veterinary care and failing to keep medical records.

This same trainer was also accused of giving false information to and abusing an inspector.

The greyhound in question was found with severe injuries: a 5cm gash on its hip, multiple 2cm cuts on its knees, and bones visibly protruding due to starvation.

Does this sound like the treatment of a well-cared-for and loved pet?

Is a mere 66 month disqualification from racing sufficient justice for such blatant neglect?

Outside of the industry, animal cruelty laws would likely result in substantial fines or even imprisonment, yet the industry’s regulator issues these petty disqualifications.

It’s no wonder nothing has changed since the ban was backflipped eight years ago.

Perhaps when large sums of money are at stake, it inevitably attracts ‘owners’ who see only dollar signs, rather than viewing these animals as man’s best friend or even a sentient being.

There are many admirable ‘greyhound people’ out there, but they are not the trainers who profit from overbreeding (six times more than can be rehomed) and force these dogs into dangerous racing and a life in a concrete kennel.

They are the individuals who rescue these dogs, work tirelessly to rehome them despite overcrowded shelters, and dedicate their free time advocating for their welfare against an industry that exists solely to profit a few.

This is an industry that diverts much-needed state funding away from more important causes (like domestic violence and youth crime) while forgetting welfare of the animals.

While the two trainers who wrote in defending greyhound racing may treat their dogs well, this does not mean that the majority of others in the industry do the same.

In fact, it is widely documented that far too many do not.

To understand what truly happens to these greyhounds, one only needs to read the Handover Report by the ex-Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Alex Brittan.

His job was to oversee the welfare of dogs in Greyhound Racing NSW, and his report reveals the hidden horrors that are kept out of the public eye.

Email, Sep 3
Emily McCallum, Blue Haven