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Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-02-24 Daily Xml
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Ministerial Statement

Greyhound Racing

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change) (14:20): I seek leave to make a ministerial statement on the topic of live baiting in greyhound racing.

Leave granted.

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER: On Monday 16 February 2015, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation aired an episode of Four Corners entitled 'Making a Killing' which exposed the practice of live baiting in the greyhound racing industry. The footage depicted greyhound trainers interstate using live bait to lure greyhounds around trial tracks. Whilst to date there has been no evidence of live baiting in South Australia, the government has made it very clear to the greyhound racing industry that live baiting will not be tolerated.

The RSPCA and Greyhound Racing SA both strongly condemn this practice and rightly consider that it has no place in the sport. The practice of live baiting is not only inhumane and in total contravention of the rules of racing but would also be illegal under section 13(3)(f) of the Animal Welfare Act 1985, punishable by penalties of up to $50,000 or four years' imprisonment.

On Thursday 19 February the Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation and the Minister for Racing met with representatives from Greyhound Racing SA, the RSPCA and the relevant government agencies, including SA Police, to identify what, if any, additional measures are needed to make sure live baiting does not occur in South Australia. We have asked Greyhound Racing SA and the RSPCA to suggest policy or legislative changes that might be implemented to prevent live baiting in South Australia now and into the future.

These abhorrent acts have no place in a civilised society, and we are taking steps to make sure that the shocking incidents that came to light in that ABC documentary are not repeated here. If anyone is aware of live baiting in South Australia they are urged to contact the RSPCA on 1300 477 722 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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