Greyhound trainer let off the hook – again

Today’s decision of the Tas Racing Appeals Board to overturn the lifetime ban on greyhound trainer Anthony Bullock is devastating.

Innocent dogs continue to suffer and die because the rules of racing and state animal welfare laws are simply not strong enough to ensure those who do the wrong thing can be successfully held to account.

Details of the decision can be found here: https://lnkd.in/g6PegHdc

The RSPCA has been actively campaigning for years about the need for more stringent oversight of racing in Tasmania, and specifically of improving the welfare standards in greyhound racing.

The videos released last year of appalling conditions in which greyhounds are being kept at several kennels, including those of Tasmania’s largest greyhound trainer, Anthony Bullock, reinforces the on-going concerns that we and many others have expressed.

Tasmania lags far behind other states in recognising that public attitudes to racing have changed and strengthening standards required for participants.

Time after time, we’ve heard statements from government that they support the racing industry and recognise the importance of animal welfare. However, while everyone says animal welfare is a priority, the cupboard is bare in terms of commitment – and funding – to deliver better outcomes.

The Tasmanian government pours more than $32m of public money into racing every year – with little accountability and no transparency. This is simply not good enough anymore.

The community expects concerns expressed about animal welfare to be matched by increased public scrutiny and investment.

This is also a wake-up call for all those involved in the racing industry. Those participants who do the right thing need to call out bad behaviour and make it clear this will not be accepted. And it is long past time for this industry to be made to stand on its own feet by ending its reliance on taxpayer funding.

We will also continue to keep this issue in the public eye – and to hold the industry – and the government – to account to protect the innocent creatures who are forced to participate in this exploitative ‘sport’.