Greyhound Live Baiting
Whippets compete during their greyhound race at a racetrack in Hamburg July 1, 2012. Reuters/Fabian Bimmer

The state and territory Governments were called on by Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) to launch independent reviews on the laws regarding the greyhound industry after footage on animal abuse released by ABC’s four corners. Live pigs, rabbits and possums used as live baits in training the greyhound by the trainers were revealed in the footage as in thegaurdian.com

RSPCA NSW chief executive Steve Colman told ABC radio, that what was seen in the footage is absolutely disgraceful. RSPCA warned criminal charges against such actions in some states and the trainers found guilty of live baiting could be imprisoned. An investigation in the greyhound industry into animal welfare and allegations of animal abuse has been announced by the Victorian Government.

Bill Byrne, The new Queensland racing minister said that he has requested information on the powers he has, in order to eradicate the live baiting practice. He also said that, the creatures involved in the cruelty would face the consequences of their actions. The laws in the Queensland are sufficient enough to deal with this inhumane activity.

He expressed his disbelief and also stated that a clear knowledge on how such things happen in spite of strict regulatory framework in the country. Animal cruelty of any sort is unaccepted in the sport and anybody found guilty of the cruelty are not welcome to participate in the sport, warned Greyhound Racing NSW chief executive Brent Hogan. It is offensive, inhumane and grotesque, said the NSW opposition leader, Luke Foley.

GRV chief executive Adam Wallish said that animal live baiting is an abhorrent action and they would do whatever it takes to make the culprits convicted. He also added that they would make sure that the people involved in the misdeed no longer participate in the sport. About 24 Greyhound trainers were suspended in Queensland, NSW and Victoria but animals Australia has reported that 70 people including high profile trainers were implicated in the crime.

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