New South Wales moves to ban Greyhound Racing by 2017

The sport of greyhound racing will be banned in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) by 2017, following an investigation which uncovered ‘systemic animal cruelty’ including dog baiting and mass killings.

A commission inquiry carried out by Australian lawyer Michael McHugh, had uncovered mass cruelty within the Australian greyhound industry, with the report detailing the death of some 68,000 dogs (amounting to half the greyhound population of Australia)

Issuing a statement on his Facebook page, NSW Premier Mike Baird declared that greyhound racing was “no longer acceptable” following the findings of its commission inquiry. Baird would further notify that the sport would be outlawed by 1 July 2017.

“Greyhound racing has been banned in many countries and many states of the U.S. and is legal in only eight countries around the world. NSW will be the first state in Australia to ban it,”

“Over the coming months, we will consult with the industry to help minimise the pain as best we can for the innocent industry participants as we work towards an orderly industry shutdown.”

NSW’s decision would impact Australian gambling operator Tabcorp’s share price which fell by around 5% to AUS $4.34. Tabcorp governance would issue a short statement detailing that NSW greyhound racing represented 5% of its total wagering turnover.

“Tabcorp expects a significant level of substitution will occur to other wagering product, such as thoroughbred racing, harness racing, sport and animated racing. Tabcorp’s media business, Sky Racing, will work with other Australian and international racing industry bodies to source alternative racing product.” Tabcorp statement read

Greyhound Racing New South Wales (GRNSW) commented that  industry stakeholders had been “devastated” by the shock news and announced a suspension of racing for seven days