Regional and rural New South Wales will be hardest hit by ban on greyhound racing

More than 1,000 full-time jobs in rural and regional New South Wales (NSW) will be lost if greyhound racing is banned, according to the NSW Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers’ Association (GBOTA). In addition, the industry group believes some 10,000 participants living outside the metropolitan area will be severely emotionally and financially affected.

“Banning our industry and sport would be a disaster for regional and outer-metropolitan communities,” said Brenton Scott, Chief Executive, NSW Greyhound Breeders, Owners and Trainers’ Association (GBOTA). “There are thousands of people who have been involved in greyhound racing all their lives. They love their dogs and this sport and they will be emotionally and financially crippled by this decision.”

The greyhound racing industry has presented a strong rebuttal to the NSW Premier,
the Hon Mike Baird MP, as its first significant move to challenge his decision to close the greyhound racing industry in NSW.

“We seek proper engagement with the Premier and the NSW Government to set expectations and a timeframe for the industry to present its plan and make the required changes,” said Scott.

“Some 10,000 people in regional NSW are involved in the greyhound racing industry and will have their livelihoods destroyed by this knee-jerk decision. Many thousands more enjoy watching races and are involved the community of racing.

“Hundreds of suppliers to the industry will also be impacted. This ranges from vets and pet food suppliers to the people who provide catering and track maintenance on race days.

“In addition, greyhound racing track facilities are used by local clubs, charities and community groups on a daily basis.

“We believe we should be allowed the time and opportunity to prove that greyhound racing can be viable and sustainable whilst being centrally focused on the total life cycle management of greyhounds in alignment with community expectations.”

The rebuttal has been presented to the Premier and NSW Government by a united group of industry bodies called the NSW Greyhound Racing Industry Alliance, which includes the NSW GBOTA, all independent clubs and industry participants.

“The rebuttal identifies serious flaws in both the facts in the report and the entire construction of the investigation,” said Scott. “It indicates that the terms of reference were inappropriately narrow and biased.

“The NSW greyhound racing industry has a plan for a sustainable industry that works for people, our regional towns and cities. It ensures animal welfare is at the focus of every decision we make and we want the chance to implement this plan.”