New South Wales greyhound racing inquiry extended

Minister for gaming and racing David Harris has approved a request for an extension of the inquiry.

Australia.- The inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has been extended until July 31. David Harris, minister for gaming and racing, approved acting commissioner Lea Drake‘s request for an extension “due to the large volume of sensitive and complex material provided to the inquiry” and to “ensure procedural fairness to all parties and allow more in-depth consideration of reform recommendations.”

The inquiry was launched last July after complaints about alleged poor animal welfare standards. It received over 1,600 public submissions via the website form or email address, considered more than 80,000 documents, held 31 days of hearings and heard from 36 witnesses.

GRNSW said in a statement following the announcement of the extension: “While GRNSW would naturally prefer to have inquiry behind it and be moving forward, it is far more important that the inquiry take its time to make findings and recommendations based on appropriate and credible evidence. 

“GRNSW will – as it has done throughout its duration – continue to support the Inquiry and provide submissions and information on the true state of the industry, including the significant gains made since the time of the McHugh inquiry, and the important work being done to continually improve. 

“GRNSW believe the extension also provides the organisation with the opportunity to progress and implement key changes internally and within the industry, thereby further demonstrating its commitment to delivering a thriving, transparent and inclusive greyhound racing industry in NSW.”