Australian State Reverses Recent Greyhound Racing Ban

In another disappointing reversal of a measure enacted to protect animals, the premiere of New South Wales (NSW), Mike Baird, has undone his own recent ban on greyhound racing. The NSW government has signed off on a plan to reverse the ban, with Baird saying he “got it wrong” and would give the industry “one more chance,” though he had previously cited his strong belief that the industry was incapable of reform as necessitating the ban.

While he had previously been a very popular politician, Baird’s decision to ban greyhound racing sparked a fierce backlash. His approval ratings plummeted and he faced intense criticism from the public and members of his own party. Anxiety over the loss of local jobs proved to be a potent source of pressure to overturn the legislation.

Though some opponents positioned the law as an attack against working class and rural residents, according to a survey commissioned by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), the government’s decision to ban greyhound racing enjoyed majority support with 64% favoring the ban (77% in metropolitan areas and 59% in rural areas). However, a spokesperson for the greyhound industry argued that public support for the ban had been stronger but is waning, an indication that proponents of racing are winning the debate.

The ban came three months ago, as reported in the August Animal Law Update, after a special report uncovered horrific cruelty and widespread killing of both dogs found to be unsuitable for racing and small animals used as live bait. In lieu of the ban, cabinet ministers put forth new policy recommendations that would result in fewer races, fewer tracks, and stronger animal welfare measures. On October 22, about 1,000 protesters gathered in Sydney to call for the government to reinstate the ban.

Further Reading:

• “Greyhound racing: Animal rights activists call for return of ban.” ABC News. October 22, 2016.
• Glanville, Brigid and Sarah Gerathy. “NSW Premier Mike Baird admits he ‘got it wrong’ after backflip on greyhound racing ban.” ABC News. October 11, 2016.
• Glanville, Brigid. “Mike Baird’s leadership tested from within party over greyhound racing ban.” ABC News. October 6, 2016.