The RSPCA has launched a new campaign urging Tasmanians to support a proposed ban on greyhound racing, warning it is a “once in a generation opportunity” to end the practice.
RSPCA Tasmania CEO Andrea Dawkins said 74% of Tasmanians support ending greyhound racing, with only 14% wanting the practice to continue – according to polling data from ERMS.
“It’s now or never,” she said. “This is a once in a generation opportunity to end greyhound racing in Tasmania.”
The campaign was launched alongside Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary’s Greg Irons, who questioned why taxpayers should fund “hundreds of thousands of dollars” for the industry.
“Surely we are past the point that we need to bet money on dogs and make them run in order to have some fun,” Irons said.
“When we hear so often that there isn’t funding available for so many important things and then hear of the extraordinary amounts of money thrown at greyhound racing, it leaves a very sour taste in the mouth.”
Irons urged the government to represent the “overwhelming majority” who want racing to end.
“Let’s not be the last ones to stop this and hold that shameful title forever,” he said.
Dawkins warned the greyhound racing industry was working to derail the ban through delay tactics.
“The industry strategy is to seek to defer and delay, hoping for changes to the Upper House composition due to elections, or a change in approach from the Liberal Government,” she said.
“Greyhounds can’t speak for themselves. We are urging Tasmanians who wish to see the end of greyhound racing to act now.”
State government minister Bridget Archer has welcomed the RSPCA’s campaign.
“We welcome … the comments and the commitment by the RSPCA and others to phasing out of Greyhound racing,” she said.
“We believe that this is the right thing to do and we remain committed to doing that.”
The RSPCA has directed supporters to youraretheirvoice.org.au to join the campaign.
