AusLeisure

The New South Wales Greyhound Racing board has stepped down following revelations of widespread live baiting within the industry amid an industry crisis over illegal live baiting.

The revelations, broadcast in an ABC Four Corners report on Monday, showed live piglets, possums and rabbits being chased and killed by dogs during training sessions.

Greyhound authorities have suspended over 20 trainers in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, with some facing jail for animal cruelty and possible lifetime bans from the sport.

NSW Racing Minister Troy Grant said the revelations showed the current system of self regulation had failed, telling media “the (NSW) Government is committed to ensuring anyone caught blooding their dogs will be kicked out of the sport for life and we will restore the integrity of the industry."

Minister Grant said that the NSW Government wanted to restore the integrity of the industry, advising that the  NSW Greyhound Racing board had "agreed to formally disband", and their powers would be transferred to an interim chief executive – the Head of the Office of NSW Liquor, Gaming and Racing agency, Paul Newson..

Minister Grant added “they have agreed with me that the community has lost confidence in the industry, and we now need the clear air in order to reform and reshape the industry.”

Earlier, Greyhound Racing NSW said it was setting up a taskforce headed by former High Court judge Michael McHugh to investigate the extent of live baiting.

Sponsors with draw from greyhound racing
The week has also seen sponsors of greyhound racing withdraw their backing from the industry with major sponsor Macro Investments dropped its financial support of greyhound racing in light of this week's revelations.

National meat provider Macro Meats Gourmet Game has also ended its sponsorship from all greyhound racing in Australia, including Brisbane's Albion Park. 

Soft drinks company Schweppes has also reportedly pulled "significant" sponsorship from greyhound racing nationally and the long-term sponsor of greyhound racing in Western Australia, has told Greyhounds WA to remove signage at its tracks.

Victorian Government gifts $3 million to Greyhound Racing Victoria for animal welfare
Meanwhile, the Victorian Government has defended its decision to give $3 million to Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) to investigate the ‘live baiting’ scandal despite two former senior members of the organisation being accused of direct involvement.

ith the Victorian Government not following moves in NSW and taking action against the GRV board, it has announced the appointment of an independent commission to investigate live baiting within the state.

The Victorian Government announced funding to improve GRV’s “animal welfare and integrity measure” in the wake of the scandal. The money will be used to help the investigation and prosecution of wrongdoing in the greyhound racing industry.

Animals Australia, which worked with the ABC in its Four Corners investigation, said it was dismayed that the government would provide money to GRV.

Animals Australia spokesperson Lisa Chalk stated “it’s extraordinary that the Victorian government’s response to these shocking revelations is to throw more taxpayer money at the body that has failed dismally in its regulatory responsibilities.

“These barbaric practices were happening on their watch and implicate people at the highest echelons of their organisation.

“The Government is putting its faith in a body that has been shown to have a former steward and integrity manager involved in live baiting and that has failed to detect widespread criminal behaviour.”

16th February 2015 - ABC LIVE BAITING REVELATIONS TO BE ‘EXTREMELY DAMAGING’ TO AUSTRALIAN GREYHOUND RACING INDUSTRY

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