TAREE Greyhound Club secretary Peter Daniel said today he is both ‘shattered’ and ‘bewildered’ at the State government’s decision on Thursday to ban greyhound racing in NSW from June 30, 2017.
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Mr Daniel has been involved in the industry since 1970, originally as a trainer and owner. He joined the Taree club in 1994 and has been secretary since 2001.
“I don’t own any dogs now, but I have a passion for greyhound racing,’’ he said.
Mr Daniel admits there were some ‘bad apples’ associated with the sport but he believes they have been largely eradicated following regulation from Greyhounds NSW.
He said the paperwork clubs in NSW have to complete l after each meeting to comply with the new regulations to ensure the safety of greyhounds is ‘immense.’
However, Mr Daniel is also critical of the controlling body, believing they were too slow in reacting to problems within the industry concerning animal welfare.
“But the changes have been substantial,’’ he added.
“And these changes have been bought about because of the RSPCA and the greenies.
“As I said, there have been a few bad apples involved with greyhound racing. But there’s a lot more good people involved.’’
Shutdown a shock
GREYHOUNDS Australasia CEO Scott Parker today expressed shock that the NSW government had decided to shut down greyhound racing in this State.
“I’m shocked this has happened and disappointed for the many thousands of people in the NSW industry that have only ever done the right thing.
“It is important to note that the circumstances in each state are very different. For example, 12 months ago, the state governments in Victoria and Queensland approved recommendations from their own inquiries that would set new requirements for those industries to continue. These are mandated changes and the controlling authorities in both of these states are now significantly advanced with their reform programs.
“Several state governments have announced their strong support this afternoon for the continuance of greyhound racing.
“Since the February 2015 ‘4 Corners’ program aired, the new managers of the industry in every state and territory have made meaningful and substantial reforms. Every one of them is placing animal welfare at the centre of the decisions they are making.
“Eradicating unnecessary euthanasia is the central plank of our national vision and is being reflected in changed rules, policies, practices and standards that continue to be put in place in each state,” Mr Parker said.