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'Glacial' change in greyhound industry: RSPCA

Friday, 25 Nov 2016 15:17:04 | Rhiannon Shine

Panting greyhound, October 2005. (Flickr: Liza31337)

Two new roles created to oversee Tasmania's greyhound racing industry are a slow step in the right direction, the RSPCA says.

Racing Minister Jeremy Rockliff announced a regulatory vet and a stipendiary steward would be employed in response to a joint select committee report on greyhound racing in Tasmania.

The regulatory vet will provide race-day veterinary services and oversee governance and animal ethics in the industry.

The stipendiary steward will have animal welfare responsibilities including swabbing and identification of racing animals, and conducting stable and kennel inspections.

RSPCA Tasmania chief executive Peter West welcomed the announcement, but said there was still "a way to go" in ensuring the safety of dogs.

"I think we are seeing some meaningful change, I think it's just happening at a glacial speed," he said.

"Anything that betters the conditions for greyhounds in the racing industry is welcome.

"We still have concerns that some of the outcomes from the inquiry have yet to be acted on by Government. However this is a great step forward for greyhounds and for animals in general in the racing industry."

The joint select committee was set up after a 2015 ABC Four Corners program on animal cruelty aired footage of live baiting at interstate greyhound racing facilities.

The committee's report handed down earlier this year found while there was anecdotal evidence of live baiting occurring in Tasmania, there was no evidence that could result in a prosecution.

The Government said further action would soon be announced in order to meet the report's recommendations.

AustraliaPlus


 

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