VICTORY: NSW Premier Mike Baird Announces State-Wide Ban On Greyhound Racing

Fuck yaas! In a move that will hopefully influence other states, New South Wales Premier Mike Baird has announced the state will be ending the greyhound racing industry.

The Premier posted to his Facebook page this afternoon:

“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.”

He cites the damning findings from the Special Commission Inquiry into the sport in NSW, as the reason for the banning of greyhound racing. The inquiry was commissioned after an episode of Four Corners exposed the hideous commonality of live-baiting around Australia as part of the sport, along with other practices of cruelty and overbreeding.

Baird goes on to say that the ingrained cruelty of the sport outweighs the jobs lost due to the end of an industry.

“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.

Amazing work, NSW!