Australian State Bans Greyhound Racing

New South Wales (NSW), Australia’s most populous state, has banned greyhound racing after a government investigation found overwhelming evidence of “horrific” cruelty, including mass killings of heathy greyhounds deemed unsuitable for racing and “live baiting,” in which dogs are encouraged to chase and kill small animals in training sessions.

According to NSW Premier Mike Baird, the inquiry report was “chilling” and the abuses so widespread that the government was left “with no acceptable course of action except to close this industry down.” Australia has one of the world’s largest dog racing industries and although the premier expressed empathy for those who would lose their jobs as a result of this decision, his words were unequivocal: “We cannot and will not stand by and allow the widespread and systemic mistreatment of animals.”

Animal advocates are hopeful that this ban, slated to take effect in July 2017, will pave the way for other Australian states – some of which have launched their own investigations into the sport – to ban greyhound racing as well. Eight countries worldwide still allow commercial dog racing, including the United States. However, it only remains operational and legal in five U.S. states.

Further reading:

• Pearlman, Jonathan, “Greyhound racing banned by Australian state after ‘barbaric cruelty.’” July 7, 2016. The Telegraph.
• “Australian state bans greyhound racing after scandals.” July 7, 2016. The Star.
• GREY2K USA Worldwide.
• Ulmer, Stephanie, May 13, 2011. “Greyhound Racing Could be on its Way Out.” Animal Legal Defense Fund.