2016-08-25
Media alert and statement, Thursday 25 August 2016
Greens spokesperson for Animals Lynn MacLaren MLC will this morning at 9.20am on the steps of WA State Parliament accept a petition calling for a state-wide ban on greyhound racing in Western Australia.
“Earlier this week, NSW took the historic step of being the first state in Australia to ban greyhound racing,” Ms MacLaren said.
“Many of the reasons to end greyhound racing identified in NSW are evident here in WA, too.
“We must act now in response to the overwhelming evidence that has led NSW and ACT to ban greyhound racing because of systemic cruelty.
“Track injuries often result in excruciating pain and euthanasia, hundreds of healthy dogs bred for racing are euthanized every year because they are no longer, or never were, able to compete against other dogs.
“The WA Minister for Racing and Gaming recently admitted that in Western Australia at least 800 dogs had been euthanised in the past two years.
“Of these, 520 were because of injuries and 182 were because of a lack of racing ability or being a poor performer.
“Senseless deaths and injuries are unacceptable to all Australians, not just those in New South Wales and Australian Capital Territories.
The Ban Greyhound Racing campaign, which includes a detailed transition plan, was launched earlier this month by Australian Greens Animals spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon. The national campaign is supported by state Greens MPs in WA, NSW, ACT, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
Related campaign: Ban Greyhound Racing in WARelated portfolios: Animals