The government of the Australian state of New South Wales has reversed its decision to ban greyhound racing to allow the sport “one last chance” to prove it is not a form of animal cruelty.
Greyhound racing has been under fire in Australia in the wake of several investigations, which found overwhelming evidence of animal cruelty, including mass killings and the use of live baits in training.
NSW Premier Mike Baird had said the state planned to ban the sport but then backtracked earlier this month, in part at the behest of the industry, which says a total ban is too extreme a reaction, and also out of concern that large numbers of dogs would be abandoned or put down.
Baird instead has called for reforms under the supervision of government officials, animal rights activists and others. A new Greyhound Industry Reform Panel will look to implement mandatory life bans and increased jail terms for live baiting along with lifetime registration of all dogs. Future moves will include increased resources for enforcement and prosecution and an independent regulator with strong new powers to ensure transparency and accountability.
“It’s clear the community agrees that the cruelty must end, but we underestimated the community’s desire to give the greyhound industry one last chance to reform and conform to the highest standards of animal welfare,” the prime minister said.
Rights activists were not pleased, however, and have criticized the reprieve as “spineless, disappointing” and “pathetic”.
A statement released by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Australia called it a “sad day”.
“They say fortune favors the brave, and in this case Mr. Baird has shown he is anything but,” it said.
