SHANE Rattenbury is calling for an end to the greyhound racing industry in the ACT.

“Greyhound racing is an outdated industry that promotes the exploitation of dogs, endorses cruelty to animals and encourages problem gambling,” Shane said.

“I think the public would be appalled to know that the ACT Government is providing $1 million annually in taxpayer subsidies to prop up this inhumane and unethical industry.

“In February last year ABC’s 4 Corners shone a spotlight on the dark underbelly of the greyhound racing industry. We were all shocked and disgusted by the profound cruelty of the live baiting practices they uncovered.

“The industry was exposed using live piglets, possums and rabbits – tying them up, flinging them around a racetrack and eventually letting them get mauled.

“This is an industry that breeds and disposes of dogs as if they are rubbish – with pits holding hundreds of dead greyhounds found in areas of NSW.

“The ACT Greens believe that greyhound racing has no future in Australia, and the ACT should take the lead in bringing it to an end.

“The ACT is a progressive and compassionate community. There is no appetite for this activity in the ACT and it is time we put a stop to it.

“I am urging the ACT Government to stop subsidising the greyhound industry and instead use some of the industry subsidy to establish a transition package to rehabilitate and rehome greyhounds and support the staff from the ACT industry in transitioning to other employment.

“For such a large public subsidy to deliver so little economic benefit and employ so few people, this exploitative industry is also very expensive.

“In addition, greyhound racing should be banned in the ACT. Australia is one of only 8 countries left in the world with a greyhound racing industry, and it is time to exit that disgraceful group.

“The ACT Greens have been championing animal welfare in the ACT Assembly for over 20 years and have worked hard to make this jurisdiction the most progressive in the country on animal welfare issues – with the banning of puppy farms and cage egg production to name just a few.

“Ending greyhound racing in the ACT is the next necessary step in continuing to improve animal welfare in the Territory,” said Mr Rattenbury.

[Photo by bollocky, attribution licence]