Greyhound racing banned after thousands of dogs slaughtered for being too slow

Greyhounds traditionally chase an artificial hare or rabbit and the revelations sparked raids across New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland states that rocked the industry.

Head of campaigns in Australia for World Animal Protection, Nicola Beynon, said the NSW decision was a win for greyhounds.

An estimated 10,000 people participate in greyhound racing in NSW, whether full time or as a hobby.

But the ACT will do so, with the racing minister, Mick Gentleman, telling ABC radio on Thursday the industry would wind down there too, though he did not give a timeframe.

The evidence before the Commission also suggested that the practice was effectively condoned by many industry participants who may not themselves have engaged in the practice.

GRNSW said they fully co-operated with the Special Commission of Inquiry who delivered the damning report.

“In response to widespread illegal and unconscionable activity, including the slaughtering of tens of thousands of dogs, I can today announce that NSW is putting an end to greyhound racing”, Mr Baird said.

“Queensland has already taken major steps in the process of reform with the establishment of the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC), the adoption of the recommendations made in the MacSporran report and the firm action taken by Racing Queensland to remove individuals involved in animal welfare breaches from the industry”. “There is no future for this industry in the ACT”. The League Against Cruel Sports wants “tougher laws” to protect racing dogs, claiming that “thousands of surplus dogs die or disappear every year”.

“It’s an absolute shame”, he said.

Baird said the Government will announce a detailed industry shutdown plan during the second half of 2016 following consultation with stakeholders in industry and animal welfare organisations.

A spokesperson for New Zealand’s greyhound racing industry says it is “fundamentally different” to that of New South Wales, which has just banned the sport over animal cruelty.

Mike Baird said despite the fact there were undoubtedly good people working in greyhound racing, the industry as a whole had let them down and left no choice but for him to implement the ban.

“That’s where my sympathies lie and we will recount some of the other things associated with the impact on the national industry in due course”.

No more cruelty: Mike Baird.

“A large percentage of puppies are being put down before they’re even registered and I’m very concerned that puppies are basically being bred to be killed”, says Labour MP Trevor Mallard. We will develop a strategy to work with the RSPCA to manage the welfare of Former Origin Legends.

“Why close down greyhound racing and not horse racing?” he asked.

The special inquiry, led by commissioner Michael McHugh, found evidence of systemic animal cruelty within the greyhound racing industry.

The ABC uncovered the livebaiting scandal past year, showing disturbing footage of live animals being used to train greyhounds.