LAST month Tasmania announced they will phase out greyhound racing following bans in NSW, ACT, New Zealand and Wales.
Macau (part of China) was shut down in 2018 and there are now only two U.S. states where greyhound racing is legal.
A Tasmanian based grass-root campaign recently resulted in the delivery of a E-petition against public funding of greyhound racing to the Tasmanian parliament.
The petition achieved enormous support with 13,519 signatures.
The Tasmanian government funds around $10 million a year from tax payers to support the greyhound industry.
Many Tasmanians think this money would be better spent on health, social housing or the environment.
This is a result of many years of campaigning and a partnership of animal welfare groups in Tasmania and across Australia which was established four years ago.
Greyhound racing will not be phased out in Tasmania until the end of 2029, effectively winding the industry down that will allow for a measured transition.
In other words; unless the greyhound racing industry can support itself, it will not be supported.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said it was time to make a call on the future of greyhound racing, saying he continues to be concerned about animal welfare.
He said, “I know there are many participants in the industry who care deeply for their animals who will be extremely disappointed by this policy decision. But the reality is the greyhound industry is at crossroads, it is in decline and it is increasingly clear it does not align with community expectations.”
The ban is enacted under new amendments to existing animal welfare legislation. Greyhound racing and associated practices are deemed ethically unacceptable. The decision, while contentious, followed established democratic procedures.
Across Australia in 2024, two hundred dogs died off track after suffering injuries on the racecourse. On track deaths =128. Track injuries = 11,445.
RSPCA Tasmania has welcomed the move, saying it will support the move and help to rehome dogs from the industry. It is time that the rest of Australia follows Tasmania’s lead and ends this cruel and corrupt industry.
Below is an easy email petition template to fill out and send to our local MP athttps://greyhoundcoalition.com if you choose to support banning greyhound racing in QLD.
