A recent investigation by ABC’s 4 Corners that highlighted alleged cruelty in greyhound racing has caused an outcry and demands of industry suspensions.
The program revealed the tactics of some greyhound racing trainers including the use of live animals as bait.
In response to the allegations, a task force will examine industry training methods and make arrangements for the supervision of trial tracks and training facilities.
ABC News reported that the Greyhound Racing NSW board was dismissed on Thursday, February 19, following the revelations.
The board’s powers have been referred to interim chief executive officer and Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing head, Paul Newson.
NSW Racing Minister Troy Grant said he dismissed the board because his government wanted to restore the industry’s integrity.
‘‘They have agreed with me that the community has lost confidence in the industry and we need to clear the air now to reform and reshape the industry,’’ he said to abc.net.au.
Caroline Gilchrist of Gymea Bay watched 4 Corners in horror.
Mrs Gilchrist, a supporter of Greyhound Rescue, was aware of cruelty in the industry but was shocked by what she saw.
‘‘It was more confronting that I thought it was going to be, it was disturbing,’’ she said.
‘‘I didn’t know live baiting still happened, I was in shock and in tears.
‘‘I was angry that it is still happening and angry that it has been like that for so long.’’
Her family had adopted two ex-racing greyhounds.
She said the dogs could not walk upstairs, were aggressive with their food and timid around men when she took them in.
Now they were calm, happy dogs and wonderful around children, she said.
Greyhound Rescue spokeswoman, Nora Anderson-Dieppe, said it was a hard show to watch.
‘‘We are shocked and deeply saddened,’’ she said.
‘‘The industry should be seen to take action to those accountable for such cruelty.’’
Mrs Anderson-Dieppe said that although she had never seen evidence of live baiting, she suspected cruelty as some trainers and owners alluded to it when they surrendered their dogs.
‘‘They have been surrendered to us or the pounds we save from because they are no longer useful,’’ she said.
What changes should be made to the greyhound racing industry in the long-term?
