Cassy O'Connor MP | Greens Leader
The rules governing the greyhound industry are not protecting animals and are allowing trainers to side-step consequences for breaches.
Greyhound trainer, and head of the Greyhound Adoption Program, Susan Gittus was suspended from racing after a prohibited substance was found in her dog Fitzgerald Grant’s system. Despite this suspension still being in place, Ms Gittus’ dogs have returned to the track - transferred to her family member.
This is a serious loophole. If the suspension of trainers doesn’t keep their dogs off the track, what disincentive is there for someone considering breaking the rules?
The Liberals were dragged by animal welfare advocates and the Greens into enacting minor reforms to the greyhound racing industry. This recent case is yet another example that the industry, with cruelty at its core, is still sick.
The fact is, dogs are dying and being killed every day to feed industry profits. Some trainers are mistreating their animals and, it appears, essentially getting off scot-free.
This industry has lost its social licence because of what happens to these beautiful dogs, and the evidence that it is incapable of real change.
We believe most Tasmanians recognise this industry is beyond repair.