RSPCA Tasmania is calling on the Tasmanian Government to make it mandatorythat a veterinarian is present at all greyhound race meetings.
Following the death of greyhound Tah Bernard, an investigation was conductedby the Office of Racing Integrity (ORI) in which the Director of Racing madetwo recommendations.
Firstly, that there must be a veterinary surgeon present at all race meetingsand official club trial events.
Secondly, that Tasracing and the ORI review all local rules, animal welfareguidelines, and associated documents related to euthanasia and treatment ofinjuries to ensure that they are clear, concise and non-contradictory – andthat they clearly identify the roles and responsibilities of participants.
RSPCA Tasmania believes that requiring a vet to be present at every event is abasic animal welfare consideration and is long overdue, but also acknowledgedthe difficulty in finding veterinarians willing to undertake the work.
“Finding enough vets to deliver on this recommendation may be challenging –but this should not be an excuse for any reluctance to implement the reportfindings. Reviewing racing rules and guidelines relating to animal welfare isalso imperative to ensure animals are given the best possible chance atfinishing races safely and that fewer are subject to grievous harm at thetrack,” RSPCA Tasmania said in a statement.
The organisation said it was an opportunity for new Madeleine Ogilvie, thestate’s new Minister for Racing, to address the shortcomings and todemonstrate that the government understands the community concerns.
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Tagged: Greyhound racing, RSPCA
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