More greyhound industry regulation call
The RSPCA has backed calls for greater regulation of greyhound racing and training in South Australia as the industry faces an independent inquiry.
Photo: AAP
The inquiry will start in coming weeks after Premier Peter Malinauskas expressed his anger at a video that showed a man kicking and punching a dog.
The premier says he is no longer willing to accept assurances such behaviour doesn’t occur.
The RSPCA inspectors have also viewed the video and are considering what action to take.
The organisation has welcomed the government’s inquiry as have animal rights groups.
It says independent oversight of the industry is needed.
“SA is the only state in which the greyhound racing industry effectively polices itself. Other states have integrity bodies that are separate from industry,” the RSPCA said.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called on the government to ban greyhound racing.
“Despite what South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas may think, there is no way for this cruel industry to clean up its act,” campaigns adviser Mimi Bekhechi said.
Greyhound Racing South Australia welcomed the inquiry but said its track record was proof of its ability to effectively administer the industry.
It said it had suspended two trainers on the property shown in the video and would investigate the incident.
The video came after SA’s first confirmed case of live baiting which resulted in life bans for three greyhound trainers in June.
-AAP
