The RSPCA has hailed the ACT government’s decision to ban greyhound racing as an historic milestone for animal welfare.
At 4pm the Barr government released a statement declaring its intention to end the practice after NSW Premier Mike Baird had earlier announced the NSW government would ban racing from 1 July 2017.
The Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry in NSW uncovered damning truths about the mistreatment of animals and the complete disregard for their welfare.
Michael McHugh’s 800-page report detailed “widespread cruelty” in the industry.
His investigations found that between 48,000 and 68,000 greyhounds were killed in the past 12 years because they were deemed uncompetitive.
Gentle giants
RSPCA ACT chief executive Tammy Ven Dange said: “This is an important milestone for animal welfare today, particularly for greyhounds.
“RSPCA ACT has been calling on the ACT government to end funding and to ban greyhound racing since last year. We are very pleased to see them make this historical decision that is a win for these gentle giants everywhere.”
RSPCA ACT has invited all greyhounds and their humans to attend a celebration at the Weston shelter at 12pm on Friday.
Barr, in New Zealand on a trade mission, said it had become untenable for the government to continue allowing and financially supporting greyhound racing.
“The findings of from the Special Commission of Inquiry into the NSW greyhound racing industry are damning,” he said.
He said his government would consider the findings of the report before announcing a process to ban the sport in Canberra, probably by the time NSW imposes its ban in July next year.
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