Animal Cruelty Charges Result in Banning of Greyhound Racing in New South Wales, Australia

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There is turmoil at the moment in the greyhound racing industry in Australia. New South Wales has banned the sport completely following serious allegations of abuse and ill-treatment of animals, in particular live baiting using rabbits, possums and baby pigs. These are tied to lures when training the dogs and are often torn apart while tied to the lure. An 800-page report presented by a Special Commission has revealed widespread cruelty and malpractice. In addition, the report found that, in the past 12 years, almost half of all greyhounds bred to race were killed because they were not fast enough to compete. This amounted to between 48,000 and 68,000 dogs. There is uproar among owners and trainers. Other states have not followed suit as yet and say they have no plans to. There is a lot of talk about a few bad apples but recent TV reports using hidden cameras have revealed some horrific practices. There is also a thriving trade exporting dogs to Asian countries with false papers and identities. However, the ban itself is bound to result in many greyhounds being euthanized or, even worse, being killed without being taken to vets to be humanely put down. Greyhounds make great pets and contrary to what might be expected like nothing better than to be couch-potatoes. As pets, they do not need or want a lot of exercise at all. This is a very sad state of affairs and will distress dog-lovers everywhere. The photo is of our friend's dog, Mopsy, who wanted to be a greyhound when she grew up.