[Greens-Media] RATTENBURY MEDIA RELEASE: ACT must follow NSW to ban greyhound racing

[Jaques, Alison]

MEDIA RELEASE
Shane Rattenbury MLA, ACT Greens Member for Molonglo

7 July 2016

ACT must follow NSW to ban greyhound racing

ACT Greens MLA, Shane Rattenbury, has welcomed an announcement from the NSW Government that they will shutdown the NSW greyhound racing industry from July 2017.

Earlier this year the ACT Greens and RSPCA ACT called for an end to the greyhound racing industry in the ACT, following the release of damning evidence from RSPCA investigations about prolific cruelty and live baiting practices.

"Greyhound racing is an outdated industry that promotes the exploitation of dogs, endorses cruelty to animals and encourages problem gambling," said Mr Rattenbury.

"This is huge news from the NSW Government and a step that the ACT must immediately follow.  We don't need to wait for NSW to commence its wind down; the ACT should move to shut this industry down now.

"The ACT Government supports the greyhound racing industry to the tune of $1million per year.  This funding should cease immediately.

"It is completely unacceptable for our Government to financially prop up this cruel and inhumane industry and I have previously called on both the responsible Minister and the Chief Minister to put an end to the funding.

"Today's announcement from the NSW Government means that the ACT industry is now even less viable given that the NSW regulator also oversees elements of the local industry.

"The ACT has a proud history of progressive animal welfare reform and it is time we lived up to this standard and banned greyhound racing in the ACT now," concluded Mr Rattenbury.

Statement ends


Ali Jaques | Media Adviser to Shane Rattenbury MLA
ACT Greens Member for Molonglo
Minister for Education; Minister for Justice and Consumer Affairs; Minister for Road Safety; Minister for Corrections.
t:  (02) 6205 3897 | m:  0481 035 764| alison.jaques at act.gov.au |
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