Scottsmum

In response to widespread illegal and unconscionable activity, including the slaughtering of tens of thousands of dogs, I can today announce that NSW is putting an end to greyhound racing. More than a year ago, we established a Special Commission of Inquiry into the greyhound industry after very disturbing reports emerged of cruelty to animals and other illegal activities. We have now received the report of the Commission, conducted by former High Court Judge Michael McHugh, and the findings are damning. A link to the whole report is below, but some of the findings include: • The mass killing of greyhounds. The report found, “In NSW in the last 12 years… somewhere between 48,891 and 68,448 dogs were killed because they were considered too slow to pay their way or were unsuitable for racing.” In the industry, they call this “wastage”. It’s not wastage: it is the unnecessary slaughtering of tens of thousands of healthy dogs. • The widespread practice of “live baiting”. This is where live animals, like rabbits, are used as bait to be chased by dogs in training sessions. The report found that, even though this is already illegal and carries heavy penalties, “a trainer, who admitted to engaging in live baiting, testified that about 10-20% of trainers engaged in live baiting.” • The systemic deception of the public concerning the numbers of deaths and injuries of dogs. It is estimated that 180 greyhounds per year sustain catastrophic injuries during races such as skull fractures or broken backs that result in their immediate death. But the commission found that “Greyhound Racing NSW had adopted a policy of deliberately misreporting the extent of injuries suffered by greyhounds at racetracks.” • The industry is not capable, in the short or medium term, of reforming. The report found that “it appears unlikely that the issue of the large scale killing of healthy greyhounds by the industry can be addressed successfully in the future.” In fact, the report found that, "such is the culture of the industry and some of its leaders that it is no longer, if it ever was, entitled to the trust of the community." One of the issues we have had to wrestle with is the positive impact of the greyhound racing industry. There are over 1000 direct jobs in the industry and nearly 6000 registered owners of greyhounds. Dog racing can be an important part of the social fabric of regional towns. And, of course, having a punt on the dogs over a few beers is good fun for many people. So, as Mr McHugh asked, do such benefits of the dog racing industry outweigh the shortcomings? Based on this report, the Government believes they do not. Greyhound racing has been banned in many countries and many states of the US and is legal in only eight countries around the world. NSW will be the first state in Australia to ban it. Over the coming months, we will consult with the industry to help minimise the pain as best we can for the innocent industry participants as we work towards an orderly industry shutdown. We will develop a strategy to work with the RSPCA to manage the welfare of existing greyhounds. And the transition arrangement for Greyhound Racing NSW assets (like greyhound racing tracks) will ensure they are used for open public space, alternative sports facilities or other community use. I feel much empathy for innocent trainers and those who will lose their job or hobby as a result of this. And I understand the disappointment of people who enjoy having a punt on the dogs. But we simply cannot and will not stand-by and allow the widespread and systemic mistreatment of animals. You can read the full report here: http://www.greyhoundracinginquiry.justice.nsw.gov.au/

YAY!!!!!!!!!!! DONNY!!!!

Also that ear seems to be saying "datta-way"

So sorry for your loss Anne.

butter. would. not. melt.

Do the Adaptil collars work? Thinking of getting one for my girl as she is a little anxious and over excited at the same time. Thanks! In my experience it's a very individual thing. We used them for my last bitch when she had to live with a family member and her dog - we had two pushy bitches in the house - I don't think it made a difference but it was a condition of her living there. The diffuses might be better... I've heard a number of people over the years say they have seen great results with Cats using the feline version - and I have met the occasional person who says the doggy version works ... Spose it's worth a shot.

Sorry to hear this news. Big hugs.

Felt / feel the same way. Such an emotional struggle. Just glad it made such a positive change to our lives. As for Justice & Gruff - I've oohed & Ahhed - but really - I'm so stupidly happy for everyone - what a lovely update - its so nice to be able to see J being super happy.

Last weeks effort - I think. Anyhow. I'm calling it 26. I've done some tourism award judging for a few years. This year I did it from home, and as you do when you "work from home" I did it in bed, with a huge pot of tea and a constant companion. 2016-07-04_02-20-54 by Superspanger, on Flickr

Must be the angle sge looks bigger. Cutie pie

Growth spurt? Hows her tail going?

Off topic. I was going to start a bunny thread the other day - will message you - need suggestions for a good bunny forum

actually a pastel pink ;) bad iphone snap , sorry . It's not an 'over the bum one ' .. a wee bit short - but very warm - and wind proof :) Ah - Right o. Still a terrible choice design wise :) but lucky find for Ms Molly. Scotties weatherbeater is like that - terrible design, stiff as a board and his bum pokes out - but I think its warmest of the lot.

hrmmm... Who decides white is a good dog coat colour? LOL. Looking dapper Moll Doll.

Snap! Be interested to hear how you go with hubby SM!! (I suspect you can be very persuasive!) Well ... any new dog(s) are a loooooong way off. So dont hold your breath :)

Great thread - Westies and Greys are in my top three next dogs - after another foxie/foxie type. I'll follow along - maybe I can con hubby into letting me get one of each.

Totally off topic. (But its my own thread so that's OK). It was so cold here last night, that even with a coat and a polar fleece liner under it Mr Man got under the covers and slept snuggled up in my arms. I mean, that was, after refusing to come to bed and trying to sleep on the couch he finally admitted defeat. In on-topic news. 2 bad nights a few weeks ago - my own fault I absent-mindedly fed him some treats one of the days and he ate a lot at training (when we did that scent work) - the empty stomach rule for his meds is hard and fast. No food for him after about 1pm otherwise the night meds don't kick in 2 bad nights this week - no reason I can pin point - but we were low on fresh/defrosted dog food so we fed him a frozen patty a few times - which he loves to bury - so it's possible he'd been eating from his personal stash out side of sanctioned times.

So where is the other dog at this time?

Can you work up - 10 minutes, 15 minutes , 30, 45, 60 & so on- going back to the last "good" amount of time if the next increment is too much - until you get to a duration you're happy with? The switch it up -some days do just 15 minutes, the next time do a long amount

well that's my daily dose of cute. Too funny. She was having a blast!

Yikes - just popped over to the facebook page. What a mess. This caught my attention: I mean I get it - I've done kennels. I'm currently cleaning at a cattery - certain beds are nightmares - but - Edit: Not just saying no blankets is bad - obviously dont agree with a lot their doing.

How shitty. Try to 'enjoy' this precious time. Lots of

Also - please don't smaller dogs are well known for not being able to regulate their blood sugar levels too well. I first read about it when I was reading something about Chihuahuas - I'm not 100% sure it applies to pugs - but regardless.... Please dont. https://www.purinapr...n-in-toy-breeds http://www.swankpets...-to-prevent-it/ I think this tends to be just the tiny toy breeds. I fast my dogs on occasion after a big meal (so chicken frame one day, then a fast day then food again from the next.) and have never had any issues :) Sweet - Wasn't sure where they came in on the tiny scale. I know Scottie hunger spews if he misses more than one meal - but he's certainly not in tiny/toy territory.

Good to hear he did well. It might just take him a few days to settle back into having you home...

This a thousand times But you're also so lucky there was someone in the right place at the right time for her. Please update us when you know how she's getting on.