Animal rights activists are questioning the use of the animated Australian kids character Bluey in the promotion of a Good Friday Hobart greyhound racing event.
The Tasmanian Trotting Club’s advertised event promises entertaining activities for kids, including a one-hour appearance by Bluey and Bingo at the racetrack.
“We are SOOOOO excited to welcome Bluey & Bingo to our Dual Code Good Friday Race Meeting,” a post on their Facebook page read.
“The best way to get ready for Easter is to come along to watch both the HARNESS & GREYHOUNDS + join in on all the fun planned for the kids!”
The use of Bluey’s image in the promotion has sparked a mixed reaction on social media, with some saying it was a “clear breach” of the responsible gambling code of practice.
Independent candidate Kristie Johnston, who opposes racing, criticised the post as a “cynical ploy to encourage and target young people into the gambling industry”.
“I have written to the creators of Bluey to express my disgust and I understand from what they have said that this is an unauthorised and unlicensed use of the Bluey character,” Johnston said.
“Yet again Tasracing is normalising racing to groom children and families.”
Animal Liberation Tasmania said both the harness and greyhound racing codes have “significantly lost their social licence due to repeated scandals” and called for the industry to be shut down.
“The unlicensed use of children’s characters to create the facade of a “family friendly” event and to encourage children to form positive associations with not only gambling but the exploitation of animals for money is unacceptable,” a spokesperson said.
Ludo Studio, the creator of Bluey, is yet to comment on the situation.
