Tasmanian Greens launch petition calling for a ban on greyhound racing
The petition tabled in the Legislative Council collected 4,997 signatures.
Australia.- Cassy O’Connor MLC of the Tasmanian Greens has presented a petition with 4,997 signatures to the Legislative Council calling for a ban on greyhound racing in the state.
The petition reads: “Your petitioners request the Legislative Council to: Call on the Rockliff government to do what is right and demonstrate the same humane leadership as that shown in Aotearoa New Zealand and move to end greyhound racing, with a just transition period and support for industry participants, as well as funding for not-for-profit local animal welfare organisations to rehome ex-racing dogs.”
In a post on Instagram, O’Connor thanked those who signed the petition and said: “Along with animal lovers across the island, the Greens won’t give up the fight for these beautiful dogs. It’s only a matter of time before we follow New Zealand’s lead and phase out greyhound racing.”
In October 2023, the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds conducted a poll in which 79 per cent of respondents said the government should stop funding greyhound racing in Tasmania. Animal welfare groups claimed the sport was losing public support, noting declining attendance and lower betting revenue. However, racing minister Jane Howlett said the government does not currently plan to ban greyhound racing.
The greyhound industry says it has made important changes for better welfare, such as improved track safety, rehoming programs, and stricter breeding rules. However, the Greens and animal welfare groups argue that the changes are not enough and that racing dogs creates inevitable risks to their welfare.
In December, the New Zealand government announced plans to ban greyhound racing in the country on the grounds of animal welfare under Racing Industry (Unlawful Destruction of Specified Greyhounds) Amendment Bill. Deputy prime minister and racing minister Winston Peters said the injury rate among racing dogs remains too high and that “the time has come to make a call in the best interest of the animals.”
