Greyhound Racing To Be Shut Down

[westiemum]

Even if the industry was squeaky clean and perfect, at the end of the day it is still engaging animals with no choice in an activity purely for the monetary gain and entertainment of humans, and for me personally, it doesn't matter how well packaged that is, its fundamentally wrong in this day and age FULL STOP. I hope it is the start of a domino effect to see this industry halted. Yes people will be upset, lose money, lose a lot of other stuff but the sun will still rise and set on a world without exploiting animals for greed and entertainment and that makes me happy.

[corvus]

So how exactly did they plan to tackle live baiting on properties no one can see?

Or do you think taking their word for it, cus they are so trustworthy is enough :laugh:

They commissioned a large research project on chase motivation in greyhounds. Since they banned the use of animal materials period in lures and training, there has been some dismay amongst trainers. Those that weren't live baiting were using animal hides. The research project was to give them a way forward within the new rules. I can't speak for the regulatory body on how they planned to enforce this as it's not in the public domain AFAIK. Obviously I do not know how successful they might have been. They were very aware of the stakes, though. Enforce or be shut down. These were not the people in charge when all the scandals came to light.

[westiemum]

So how exactly did they plan to tackle live baiting on properties no one can see?

Or do you think taking their word for it, cus they are so trustworthy is enough :laugh:

They commissioned a large research project on chase motivation in greyhounds. Since they banned the use of animal materials period in lures and training, there has been some dismay amongst trainers. Those that weren't live baiting were using animal hides. The research project was to give them a way forward within the new rules. I can't speak for the regulatory body on how they planned to enforce this as it's not in the public domain AFAIK. Obviously I do not know how successful they might have been. They were very aware of the stakes, though. Enforce or be shut down. These were not the people in charge when all the scandals came to light.

Understand corvus. I also understand that some people are now genuinely trying to reform the industry.

However apparently the report is clear. It's far too late. Again, why did it take a legally constituted Commission of Inquiry for 'good' people to finally act? Too little too late. The warnings have been there for years.

[Maddy]

There won't BE any future generations of greyhounds.

This is my big concern/ worry, about how the Greyhound breed lives on now that the industry that breeds the bulk will close down?? I always had a Greyhound in my future

There will always be greyhounds. Same as as other breeds have survived long after their original jobs were consigned to history. Most huskies bred in this country never see snow or a sled or gig yet the breed exists and thrives. A good dog is a good dog, it doesn't need to be part of an industry entrenched in cruelty just to keep the breed going.

Where do these dogs come from though?

Greyhounds bred for conformation showing aren't the same as racing bred dogs (And before rebanne jumps in here, that's not an attack on showbred dogs- it's just pointing out a fact). So that leaves backyard breeders. I've seen the outcome of backyard breeding greys and the results were worse than you'd expect so it confirms for me that you have to have people experienced and understanding of the breed to maintain all the traits we currently enjoy.

The healthy, stable dogs we currently have are a result of breeding for function and if that function ceases to exist, what then?

It's easy to brush these issues off when it's not the breed you love. Someone actually said to me yesterday that I could always just have whippets because they're pretty much the same thing as a greyhound (which is hilariously wrong), and then that they'd be okay with seeing the complete extinction of the racing greyhound in Australia if it meant racing would be gone. Obviously this person doesn't own and love greyhounds. Personally, I can't imagine life without a couple of ex racers but it looks like their days in Australia could be numbered.

[westiemum]

There won't BE any future generations of greyhounds.

This is my big concern/ worry, about how the Greyhound breed lives on now that the industry that breeds the bulk will close down?? I always had a Greyhound in my future

There will always be greyhounds. Same as as other breeds have survived long after their original jobs were consigned to history. Most huskies bred in this country never see snow or a sled or gig yet the breed exists and thrives. A good dog is a good dog, it doesn't need to be part of an industry entrenched in cruelty just to keep the breed going.

Where do these dogs come from though?

Greyhounds bred for conformation showing aren't the same as racing bred dogs (And before rebanne jumps in here, that's not an attack on showbred dogs- it's just pointing out a fact). So that leaves backyard breeders. I've seen the outcome of backyard breeding greys and the results were worse than you'd expect so it confirms for me that you have to have people experienced and understanding of the breed to maintain all the traits we currently enjoy.

The healthy, stable dogs we currently have are a result of breeding for function and if that function ceases to exist, what then?

It's easy to brush these issues off when it's not the breed you love. Someone actually said to me yesterday that I could always just have whippets because they're pretty much the same thing as a greyhound (which is hilariously wrong), and then that they'd be okay with seeing the complete extinction of the racing greyhound in Australia if it meant racing would be gone. Obviously this person doesn't own and love greyhounds. Personally, I can't imagine life without a couple of ex racers but it looks like their days in Australia could be numbered.

This is a very good question. I think it needs to be addressed as part of the transition of the industry to shut-down.

I've never owned a grey - but have some experience of them. And with DOLs encouragement I will likely bring forward my plans to add a a grey to my pack in the next few months. I think they are an amazing breed which is why I'm so keen to try one with my westies. And if possible, I'll offer to foster at short notice if that becomes necessary. And might be able to 'find' another potential foster home as well.

It's interesting - ABC 24 reporting the support for fostering and adopting the industry greys is gathering momentum. Which suggests that as long as the transition through fostering or fostering to adopt can be managed there might well be a large increase in the potential number of homes available. But yes, the assessment and fostering process will certainly be a bottle-neck which will need careful managing.

Edited July 7, 2016 by westiemum

[Maddy]

There won't BE any future generations of greyhounds.

This is my big concern/ worry, about how the Greyhound breed lives on now that the industry that breeds the bulk will close down?? I always had a Greyhound in my future

There will always be greyhounds. Same as as other breeds have survived long after their original jobs were consigned to history. Most huskies bred in this country never see snow or a sled or gig yet the breed exists and thrives. A good dog is a good dog, it doesn't need to be part of an industry entrenched in cruelty just to keep the breed going.

Where do these dogs come from though?

Greyhounds bred for conformation showing aren't the same as racing bred dogs (And before rebanne jumps in here, that's not an attack on showbred dogs- it's just pointing out a fact). So that leaves backyard breeders. I've seen the outcome of backyard breeding greys and the results were worse than you'd expect so it confirms for me that you have to have people experienced and understanding of the breed to maintain all the traits we currently enjoy.

The healthy, stable dogs we currently have are a result of breeding for function and if that function ceases to exist, what then?

It's easy to brush these issues off when it's not the breed you love. Someone actually said to me yesterday that I could always just have whippets because they're pretty much the same thing as a greyhound (which is hilariously wrong), and then that they'd be okay with seeing the complete extinction of the racing greyhound in Australia if it meant racing would be gone. Obviously this person doesn't own and love greyhounds. Personally, I can't imagine life without a couple of ex racers but it looks like their days in Australia could be numbered.

This is a very good question. I think it needs to be addressed as part of the transition of the industry to shut-down.

I've never owned a grey - but have some experience of them. And with DOLs encouragement I will likely bring forward my plans to add a a grey to my pack in the next few months. I think they are an amazing breed which is why I'm so keen to try one with my westies. And if possible, I'll offer to foster at short notice if that becomes necessary. And might be able to 'find' another potential foster home as well.

It's interesting - ABC 24 reporting the support for fostering and adopting the industry greys is gathering momentum. Which suggests that as long as the transition through fostering or fostering to adopt can be managed there might well be a large increase in the potential number of homes available. But yes, the assessment and fostering process will certainly be a bottle-neck which will need careful managing.

Short-term, there will be a glut of dogs but if the ban works in NSW, other states will follow. And where the industry dies out, the dogs will die out. Enjoy your chance at owning a ex racing greyhound while you've got it.

And to those who show dogs but support this ban.. enjoy your show dogs while you've got them because the AR movement will be after your pets, next.

[Salukifan]

Maddy:

It's easy to brush these issues off when it's not the breed you love. Someone actually said to me yesterday that I could always just have whippets because they're pretty much the same thing as a greyhound (which is hilariously wrong), and then that they'd be okay with seeing the complete extinction of the racing greyhound in Australia if it meant racing would be gone. Obviously this person doesn't own and love greyhounds. Personally, I can't imagine life without a couple of ex racers but it looks like their days in Australia could be numbered.

Yep. Indicative of the level of knowledge that's driving much of the current discussion.

God forbid what is going to happen the dogs placed with inexperienced rescues who think they are just big spindly generic dogs. The idea that Greyhounds are sleepy couch potatoes that require no effort from an owner does the dogs a considerable disservice - especially the young ones.

I know owners who will PTS their dogs rather than have them in the wrong homes. Chained to a kennel and used for pigging or left uncoated and ignored in back yards? I'd PTS too.

I predict a rise in the abuse of greyhounds. It will move from the racing to the pet environment. A tragedy for the breed.

Edited July 8, 2016 by Haredown Whippets

[tdierikx]

The current rehoming system for ex-racing greys is already stretched to cater to the numbers needing rehoming... and getting it done safely... there is no way they are going to cope with a massive influx of dogs needing new homes asap.

The words that are being reported about getting rid of greyhounds completely in NSW is just BSL wrapped up in a different blanket... grrr!

So - if greyhounds are banned in NSW - what the hell are they going to do with all of them already here? I don't see a happy ending here...

T.

[Greyt]

The dogs that are bred today are bred for purpose ie, to win races.

Ironically, the lasted decision flips the script and in a post racing world, the most demanded dogs will be those that have the highest compatibility with pet traits.

Slow Greyhounds rule!

[Pjrt]

Thousands upon thousands of defunct race bred greyhounds are being disposed of annually as it stands. It is heart wrenching to think that those among the current generation not suitable for pet homes will also be disposed of on mass. But for me that is the lesser evil of a difficult situation. It will surely save many many thousands that would have followed in many future generations. Of course I hope as many as possible make it in to suitable homes. Those that don't most likely would have been 'wastage' anyway.

Some dogs will die as a result of this decision. Many thousands more would have if not for this decision

[Maddy]

The dogs that are bred today are bred for purpose ie, to win races.

Ironically, the lasted decision flips the script and in a post racing world, the most demanded dogs will be those that have the highest compatibility with pet traits.

Slow Greyhounds rule!

And without function to drive their form, they will cease to be greyhounds as we know them. They will be bred by backyarders who don't care about maintaining their beautiful temperament or selecting the healthiest pups to breed from. They won't be just slow greyhounds, they will be the badly bred dogs. That is nothing to celebrate.

HW-

Yep. Indicative of the level of knowledge that's driving much of the current discussion.

If I got a dollar for every misinformed/ignorant thing I've read in the last 24 hours regarding greyhounds, I'd have a lot of dollars. I'd still have a massive headache but I could buy heaps of Nurofen with all my dollars >.>

[keetamouse]

I just heard a lady on Ray Hadley's (he's away today)not sure who is on, but she said if the dogs are humanely put to sleep she can' see a problem WTF is that :dropjaw: :eek: can you image a vet being called out to euthanaise 40 perfectly healthy dogs in one go what is she thinking.

My local Pound have an arrangement with one of the local greyhound people to take his dogs in to the pound and they will rehome them and that's exactly what they have done very successfully for many years and from memory none have been put to sleep.

[Vehs]

Maddy:

It's easy to brush these issues off when it's not the breed you love. Someone actually said to me yesterday that I could always just have whippets because they're pretty much the same thing as a greyhound (which is hilariously wrong), and then that they'd be okay with seeing the complete extinction of the racing greyhound in Australia if it meant racing would be gone. Obviously this person doesn't own and love greyhounds. Personally, I can't imagine life without a couple of ex racers but it looks like their days in Australia could be numbered.

Yep. Indicative of the level of knowledge that's driving much of the current discussion.

God forbid what is going to happen the dogs placed with inexperienced rescues who think they are just big spindly generic dogs. The idea that Greyhounds are sleepy couch potatoes that require no effort from an owner does the dogs a considerable disservice - especially the young ones.

I know owners who will PTS their dogs rather than have them in the wrong homes. Chained to a kennel and used for pigging or left uncoated and ignored in back yards? I'd PTS too.

I predict a rise in the abuse of greyhounds. It will move from the racing to the pet environment. A tragedy for the breed.

Why can't the owners keep the dogs themselves?

If they can't afford the dogs because their income was generated through racing is there a way the Govt can help; did NSW subsidise/exempt the racing industry at all (seems ACT did/do) can that money be redirected to expenses for pet Greys?

That's a great point Greyt that the desirable pet dogs were there ones that were previously being drowned and shot for not running fast enough. Even though we've got two SWF I'll try to convince the husband to let us have a Grey, although we did not do well with a young Whippet visiting for a few weeks and the dogs that will need help won't be the older smoochier dogs those aren't in the industry just the young quick ones.

[Greyt]

Maddy:

It's easy to brush these issues off when it's not the breed you love. Someone actually said to me yesterday that I could always just have whippets because they're pretty much the same thing as a greyhound (which is hilariously wrong), and then that they'd be okay with seeing the complete extinction of the racing greyhound in Australia if it meant racing would be gone. Obviously this person doesn't own and love greyhounds. Personally, I can't imagine life without a couple of ex racers but it looks like their days in Australia could be numbered.

Yep. Indicative of the level of knowledge that's driving much of the current discussion.

God forbid what is going to happen the dogs placed with inexperienced rescues who think they are just big spindly generic dogs. The idea that Greyhounds are sleepy couch potatoes that require no effort from an owner does the dogs a considerable disservice - especially the young ones.

I know owners who will PTS their dogs rather than have them in the wrong homes. Chained to a kennel and used for pigging or left uncoated and ignored in back yards? I'd PTS too.

I predict a rise in the abuse of greyhounds. It will move from the racing to the pet environment. A tragedy for the breed.

So you expect the predicted increase in abuse will again come from within the ranks of those already within the industry?

I guess that is just more reason to shut down the industry. There won't be any more litters for them to get dogs to abuse soon.

My prediction is that somehow, society will survive with the expected increase in re-homed Greys.

[Salukifan]

WM:

This is a very good question. I think it needs to be addressed as part of the transition of the industry to shut-down.

I've never owned a grey - but have some experience of them. And with DOLs encouragement I will likely bring forward my plans to add a a grey to my pack in the next few months. I think they are an amazing breed which is why I'm so keen to try one with my westies. And if possible, I'll offer to foster at short notice if that becomes necessary. And might be able to 'find' another potential foster home as well.

It's interesting - ABC 24 reporting the support for fostering and adopting the industry greys is gathering momentum. Which suggests that as long as the transition through fostering or fostering to adopt can be managed there might well be a large increase in the potential number of homes available. But yes, the assessment and fostering process will certainly be a bottle-neck which will need careful managing.

No offence but if you take an off track grey that hasn't been thoroughly tested into your home, you put the lives of your existing dogs at risk.

A high prey drive dog that hasn't been socialised to see small dogs as dogs? Do the math.

No one seems to be asking why so many sighthound owners are deeply concerned about the future of these dogs. Managing high prey drive dogs requires knowledge. Unsocialised high prey drive dogs wit no obedience training? Even more.

There are risk here and uninformed rescues and foster carers have the capacity to increase them.

[Rebanne]

Where do these dogs come from though?

Greyhounds bred for conformation showing aren't the same as racing bred dogs (And before rebanne jumps in here, that's not an attack on showbred dogs- it's just pointing out a fact).

The only fact is the two types of greyhounds look different. Underneath they are one and the same. I have owned both types and also fosterd for GAP. My current young silly girl had her counterpart in a young silly girl I fostered. My proper old men dogs have had their counterparts in the racing dogs. I have bred dogs with insane prey drive. I haven't bred any fast enough to win on a race track but I'm not alone in that as seen by the many racing greyhounds PTS for being too slow.

[*kirty*]

Maddy:

It's easy to brush these issues off when it's not the breed you love. Someone actually said to me yesterday that I could always just have whippets because they're pretty much the same thing as a greyhound (which is hilariously wrong), and then that they'd be okay with seeing the complete extinction of the racing greyhound in Australia if it meant racing would be gone. Obviously this person doesn't own and love greyhounds. Personally, I can't imagine life without a couple of ex racers but it looks like their days in Australia could be numbered.

Yep. Indicative of the level of knowledge that's driving much of the current discussion.

God forbid what is going to happen the dogs placed with inexperienced rescues who think they are just big spindly generic dogs. The idea that Greyhounds are sleepy couch potatoes that require no effort from an owner does the dogs a considerable disservice - especially the young ones.

I know owners who will PTS their dogs rather than have them in the wrong homes. Chained to a kennel and used for pigging or left uncoated and ignored in back yards? I'd PTS too.

I predict a rise in the abuse of greyhounds. It will move from the racing to the pet environment. A tragedy for the breed.

So you expect the predicted increase in abuse will again come from within the ranks of those already within the industry?

I guess that is just more reason to shut down the industry. There won't be any more litters for them to get dogs to abuse soon.

My prediction is that somehow, society will survive with the expected increase in re-homed Greys.

No, the abuse will come from the pet owners who have no idea about Greyhounds but adopt one to save it. There will also be an increase in attacks by Greyhounds on cats and small dogs, because people will be adopting dogs that are not suitable for suburban life. I can't see this whole situation ending well at all. And as always, the biggest losers will be the dogs.

[Rebanne]

The dogs that are bred today are bred for purpose ie, to win races.

Ironically, the lasted decision flips the script and in a post racing world, the most demanded dogs will be those that have the highest compatibility with pet traits.

Slow Greyhounds rule!

But slow doesn't automatically mean less of a prey drive. Just means they can't catch the bunny

[Salukifan]

So you expect the predicted increase in abuse will again come from within the ranks of those already within the industry?

I guess that is just more reason to shut down the industry. There won't be any more litters for them to get dogs to abuse soon.

My prediction is that somehow, society will survive with the expected increase in re-homed Greys.

My prediction is that the abuse will come from the rescues who think warehousing is an acceptable life for a dog and from uninformed or uncaring owners who think they are doing a Grey a favour by keeping it alive in an unsuitable home.

The market is going to be flooded with these dogs. A whole bunch of people who wouldn't be sold one by a responsible breeder will end up with one. And, as has been the ongoing theme in the history of the breed, it will be the dogs who suffer.

Yes, society will survive. And the dogs will pay the price. As they always do.

I think of your average Greyhound confined to a two bedroom apartment (apparently they are great apartments dogs ) and walked on lead once a day. If you've never seen the sheer joy these dogs get from free running, you won't know how sad a life that will be.

Edited July 8, 2016 by Haredown Whippets

[Greyt]

The dogs that are bred today are bred for purpose ie, to win races.

Ironically, the lasted decision flips the script and in a post racing world, the most demanded dogs will be those that have the highest compatibility with pet traits.

Slow Greyhounds rule!

And without function to drive their form, they will cease to be greyhounds as we know them. They will be bred by backyarders who don't care about maintaining their beautiful temperament or selecting the healthiest pups to breed from. They won't be just slow greyhounds, they will be the badly bred dogs. That is nothing to celebrate.

HW-

Yep. Indicative of the level of knowledge that's driving much of the current discussion.

If I got a dollar for every misinformed/ignorant thing I've read in the last 24 hours regarding greyhounds, I'd have a lot of dollars. I'd still have a massive headache but I could buy heaps of Nurofen with all my dollars >.>

The is an unnatural oversupply at the moment bred for speed so over time, the breed has already been changed in line with what works on the track ie, selecting bloodlines that have a better chance of having a running action, fast and want to chase. Future breeders will be selecting bloodlines for appealing looks, health and pet attributes - there is no difference to what happens with any other breed.

Hopefully, some issues such as a proneness to rotting teeth brought about by poor diets, over exposure to supplements and drugs can be overcome with future breeding.