2 deaths in 1 race renew calls for a ban on greyhound racing

For immediate release.

Two deaths in one race renew calls for a ban on greyhound racing.

Animal welfare advocates are up in arms after learning that two greyhounds were euthanized in a single TAB dog race in Auckland last Sunday.

"Two greyhounds suffered catastrophic injuries in race 7, and we're aware another dog suffered a serious injury during earlier race trials" Said Aaron Cross for the Greyhound Protection League.

"There were eight declared injuries but that's not the full picture" Said Mr Cross.

"We've observed online discussions where a trainer allegedly made a phone call to the race steward, complaining of a track like concrete, and that steward apparently just hung up the phone."

"There's a real disconnect between the grass roots trainers and the officials who are supposed to ensure racing is conducted safely"

"Greyhound racing is a fundamentally unsafe activity and should be banned for this and other reasons."

The Chairman of the racing industries Animal Welfare Committee was recently caught disposing of the bodies of numerous greyhounds in a mass grave, raising concerns about attitudes in the wider greyhound racing industry.

A recent Select Committee report has made a raft of recommendations to the government in context of animal welfare, but made a specific note that it was "avoiding the moral debate" on the merits of greyhound racing.

"We think that moral debate is long overdue," Said Mr Cross.

"How many greyhounds will suffer for the sake of entertainment before that debate is had? Lets put it on the table now and see an end to killing greyhounds for the sake of gambling."

http://greyhoundprotectionleague.org.nz/

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