Greyhound racing banned reversed: Vote in our poll

THE decision by the Baird government to back down from a ban of the greyhound industry in NSW has sent parties from both sides of the fence into a frenzy.

On Tuesday, the Baird government confirmed they would not follow through with the plan.

Premier Mike Baird declared "I got it wrong" while confirming he would back down on his original promise to close down the industry from July next year.

Instead, Mr Baird said the industry would need to sign up to mandatory life bans and increased jail terms for live baiting as well as lifetime registration.

A new independent regulator will be headed by former Labor premier Morris Iemma. There will be more resources for enforcement and prosecution and animal welfare.

"I got it wrong, we got it wrong, the cabinet got it wrong and the government got it wrong," Mr Baird said.

Mr Baird said a lot of people will be disappointed by the back down but said "we are listening".

Kempsey greyhound trainer Nathan Goodwin, who often races dogs at the Hastings River Greyhound Racing Club, was thrilled with the decision.

“It’s a big relief to be given the green light to get back into action,” he said.

“It was such an uncertain road we were heading but now we’re back on track. We have to see where some of these restrictions are going to take us.

“I do have concerns that country racing will be dramatically affected with less racing, but all the rest of it will have to be further addressed in the coming weeks.

“The most positive is that we are now back in and can start to wade through the water of restrictions.”

Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey welcomed the announcement, saying the government had listened to community concerns about the racing ban and the way it was implemented.

“It’s clear the community agrees we must put an end to the animal cruelty outlined in the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry – pure and simple,” she said.

“But we underestimated the community’s desire to give the greyhound industry one last chance to reform.

“Based on the major shift in the industry’s attitude and commitments since the announcement of a ban, the Government believes it is fair to give the industry one last chance.

“I am well aware of the very real impact the ban would have on the good people in our community involved in this industry and its support industries.

“Greyhound racing will be subject to the toughest regulations in the country. It is now up to the industry to demonstrate its commitment and put this into action to reform for the benefit of all involved.”

The NSW Greyhound Racing Industry Alliance has confirmed it is willing to work cooperatively with the NSW Government to set performance standards for the industry.

Brenton Scott, Chief Executive, NSW Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers’ Association (GBOTA), said they have presented the Government with a plan that demonstrates that the industry can make significant changes.

These include a controlled breeding programme, total life cycle management of all greyhounds including greyhounds unable to race and retired greyhounds, zero tolerance for animal cruelty, including live baiting, punishable by a life time ban for any infringement, and provision of the safest possible racing environment to eliminate avoidable injury.

However not everyone is happy with the announcement.

PETA Australia's Campaign Coordinator Claire Fryer said Tuesday's back flip on a greyhound racing ban was as “a sad day”.

“It’s a sad day not only for the thousands of dogs who will now continue to suffer in this cruel and unjustifiable industry, but also for democracy,” she said.

“The government has acted on speculation about their polling numbers and pressure from individuals who gain financially from this abusive industry, and ignored the vast majority of New South Wales constituents who abhor the inherit brutality of greyhound racing.

“The Premier may think he is saving his political future, but they say fortune favours the brave and in this case, Mr Baird has shown he is anything but.”