[Greens-Media] Concerns Raised Over Ministerial Attitude to Animal Welfare

[Franks, Office]

The Greens have raised concerns regarding Minister Tom Kenyon's involvement in an illegal lizard race at a relative's function for a school fundraiser over the weekend.
The Greens Animal Welfare spokesperson Tammy Franks said: "Minister Kenyon unfortunately has previous form when it comes to disregarding animal cruelty.  His dismissive stance on thoroughbred jumps racing indicates that he just doesn't get it when it comes to animal welfare," she said.
"I'm not surprised that Minister Kenyon just doesn't understand molesting native wildlife isn't okay. After all, this is the Minister who has gone on record saying that the Parliament doesn't have the authority to intervene to regulate the practice of jumps racing in this state.
Under the recent ministerial reshuffle, Minister Kenyon maintained responsibility for overseeing jumps racing, a practice which is opposed by the RSPCA and which been cited by The Law Society of South Australia as "arguably already offend[ing] the existing section 13(1) or (2) of the Animal Welfare Act 1985".
"Minister Kenyon should be stripped of his responsibilities for the racing portfolio unless he can demonstrate he is aware of when racing activities breach the laws of this state and when they don't," Ms Franks said.
"There are many ways to fundraise for schools, or to have a flutter without supporting cruelty to animals,' she concluded.

To arrange comment contact Jamnes Danenberg on 0457 549 938 or 8237 9410


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