The Tasmanian government, led by Premier Jeremy Rockliff, recently made a groundbreaking decision to phase out greyhound racing in the state by June 30, 2029. This move comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny surrounding the sport, culminating in the tragic death of Raider’s Guide, a celebrated greyhound euthanized after a race accident in Launceston.
Raider’s Guide, a four-year-old greyhound with a remarkable track record, was posthumously named Greyhound of the Year in Tasmania. The outcry following his demise marked a significant moment for animal welfare advocates and prompted the government’s decisive action to end greyhound racing.
Andrea Dawkins, CEO of RSPCA Tasmania, hailed the ban as a positive step towards improving animal welfare standards and called for lasting change in the treatment of racing greyhounds. The online community echoed these sentiments, with many expressing relief and support for the decision to phase out the sport.
However, not everyone welcomed the ban, citing concerns about its impact on smaller kennels and trainers who lack the resources to weather such a transition. Former sports journalist Ray Gatt criticized the ban, pointing out disparities in how different racing industries are regulated and suggesting that greyhound racing is being unfairly targeted.
Despite the backlash, the Tasmanian government emphasized that the four-year transition period would allow for proper planning and support for those affected by the ban, including trainers, breeders, and clubs. Nevertheless, organizations like Hounds in Homes have raised alarms about the potential strain on rehoming efforts as a result of the ban.
The decision in Tasmania follows similar moves in the ACT and New Zealand, where greyhound racing has also been banned. Advocates in other Australian states are hopeful that Tasmania’s decision will spur further action to end the sport nationwide, pointing to the welfare concerns and ethical implications associated with greyhound racing.
While greyhound racing contributes to the gambling industry’s profits, it represents a relatively small portion compared to other forms of betting, such as horse racing and pokies. The ban in Tasmania has reignited discussions about the ethics of animal racing and the need for stricter regulations to protect the welfare of racing animals.
As the ban takes effect, there are growing calls for other states to follow Tasmania’s lead and phase out greyhound racing. Premier Rockliff’s decision has underscored the shifting attitudes towards animal welfare in the racing industry, setting a precedent for further reforms in the future.
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