[Greens-Media] Greens say Dump the Victorian Jumps Racing Carnivals - Pennicuik

[Amanda.Sharp at parliament.vic.gov.au]

1 May 2013

Greens say Dump the Victorian Jumps Racing Carnivals

Once again the jumps racing 'season' is upon us and once more horses and 
jockeys are being put at risk of death or injury in Victoria's jumps 
racing 'carnivals', Greens MP Sue Pennicuik said today. 

"This cruel and unnecessary activity is a blight on Victoria," Ms 
Pennicuik said. "The RSPCA opposes jumps racing as do the majority of 
Victorians. 

"Jumps racing has long been banned in every other state, except South 
Australia, on the grounds of cruelty. It is unlikely it would continue in 
South Australia if it was banned in Victoria as virtually the same small 
number of horses and trainers are involved. 

"It was very regrettable that the former Minister for Racing, Rob Hulls 
didn't ban jumps racing when it was suspended by Racing Victoria on 7 May 
2009 due to the number of deaths and injuries," Ms Pennicuik said. 

"It is extremely disappointing that the new Premier, Mr Napthine, who has 
retained his portfolio of Minister for Racing and is a vet, is not only 
allowing jumps racing to continue but defends it and has allocated 
$2million to prop it up. 

"Defenders of jumps racing have been quick to point out that there were no 
deaths in any of the three jumps races on the first day of the Warrnambool 
'carnival', however, they may speak too soon as past experience shows that 
horses involved in jumps falls may never be seen again," Ms Pennicuik 
said. 

"They may also describe this as a tired old argument, but I say the best 
way to end the argument is to end jumps racing as review upon review has 
recommended and virtually the rest of Australia already has."

For further comment: Sue Pennicuik – 0409 055 875



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Parliament of Victoria                                                                                                                    . 
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