By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
THE banning of greyhound racing in other states will not affect the operation of Healesville or other Victorian greyhound racing clubs, according to Greyhound Racing Victoria CEO Alan Clayton.
The decision made by the NSW and ACT governments to ban greyhound racing in their states led to fears Victorian greyhound clubs would be flooded with owners, trainers and dogs from other states.
“Healesville Greyhound Racing Club, like the other 12 clubs in Victoria, will continue to operate as per usual,” Mr Clayton said.
The NSW State Government decided to ban the practice of greyhound racing after a Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Industry in NSW found 50-70 per cent of all greyhounds raised for racing are killed simply because they are too slow among other findings.
Mr Clayton said that greyhound racing practices in Victoria were not the same as in NSW and the future of the sport here was safe.
“Victoria’s circumstances are very different to NSW,” he said.
“There have been two major reviews of the sport conducted by Sal Perna, the Racing Integrity Commissioner and Dr Charles Milne, Chief Veterinary Officer, along with a review of the integrity of all racing codes by Paul Bittar.”
“Greyhound Racing Victoria (GRV) is now implementing the 68 recommendations to ensure a sustainable future for the sport.”
Mr Clayton said the safety of the dogs associated with GRV had their welfare well looked after and supported.
“Unlike some other states, GRV has the financial capability to fund significant and fundamental changes for Victoria’s animal welfare and integrity arrangements,” he said.
