[Greens-Media] Stop the Deaths, It's Time to Act

[Franks, Office]

May 20, 2011



MEDIA RELEASE





Stop the Deaths, It's Time to Act



The death of Fasilenko in race three of the Mt Gambier Steeplechase today has prompted Greens animal welfare spokesperson Tammy Franks to say "enough is enough".



Ms Franks said the Greens - who have long opposed jumps racing - are about to get much tougher in opposing it.



"We've had four race meets in South Australia this year and at every single one there's been a horse fatality," Ms Franks said.



"This sport seems to have unlimited licence to kill and enough is enough.



"How many strikes do they get?"



Ms Franks said legislation already was being drafted and the Greens would seek to amend the Animal Welfare Act in the next sitting week of Parliament to ban this so-called 'sport'.



"Jumps racing has been banned across Australia and only SA and Victoria lag behind," Ms Franks said.



"Jumps racing is deeply unpopular and it is time for people to express their opposition by lobbying their local members, Racing Minister Tom Kenyon and Environment & Conservation Minister Paul Caica.



"The Greens' message to the public is to call, email and let your local member - Liberal, Labor or independent - know that you oppose this legalised cruelty and support the Greens' amendment to ban jumps racing in this state once and for all."



Ms Franks will introduce her amendment in the next Parliamentary sitting week.



Media enquiries: Lauren Zwaans on 0457 549 938 or 8237 9414


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