A NSW problem of banning greyhound racing is about to land on our doorstep. The wider problem is the ability of an industry to self-regulate over animal welfare. It all exploded last year with the problem of live baiting. While a separate welfare issue, the uproar at the cruelty it involved and the failure for the industry to prohibit or in many cases even stem a deplorable practice led to widespread condemnation. The government retribution for the failures was swift, charges were laid and the whole industry teetered.
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While there is always an underlying ethical problem lies with any government that accepts a large slice of the revenue from an industry that either wilfully or negligently allows destructive outcomes, the differing approach of various States is interesting.
The NSW Baird government seems to have despaired of any reform and decided to ban the industry outright. Victoria on the other hand has said it remains confident regulation is key. The opening of a new kennel at Mt Mercer to house 50 unwanted dogs by the industry is a noble enough gesture but it does highlight how considerable an issue potentially lies in an industry that breeds dogs for racing but ends up with a lot of dogs that can’t perform. Many animal activists, and I am referring more to the grassroots dog lovers who are active in saving animals as distinct from political lobbyists, are already reporting that there are just too many dogs to have them all adopted by caring homes. Our pounds are already filled with dogs of all breeds, not to mention other unwanted pets. As such the declaration by the Victoria government of a reduction in breeding numbers by thirty percent is also an encouraging step.
The efficacy of races for old dogs, while caring enough, may not be so successful given the industry is ultimately driven by competition and gambling.
But just around the corner, or rather across the river, is a far bigger problem. There is no fundamental law prohibiting the exchange or migration of dogs across borders and the grave danger is as the NSW industry as it implodes will seek to ship its competitive and particularly its younger dogs to places where they can run and earn. The temptation for Victorian trainers or breeders to ditch its older and underperforming dogs in favour of this new blood, may be too strong for some. The problem again arises what is to become of all the unwanted dogs. This is a welfare issue that is far from over.
