Media Release
A meeting was convened yesterday (19th February) with Racing Minister Leon Bignell, Environment and Conservation Minister Ian Hunter and key stakeholders from South Australia Police, the Office of Sport & Recreation, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, and the RSPCA.
The meeting’s focus was to identify the steps that will be taken to address the concerns that were raised on this week’s Four Corners program.
Minister Hunter has sought a collaborative framework of recommendations from Greyhound Racing SA and the RSPCA. That submission will allow the government to consider what amendments to legislation may be necessary to support the industry and ensure that live baiting will have no presence in South Australia now or in the future.
Both Ministers indicated the national Greyhound Racing Industry is confronting its most serious challenge and it is important for it to restore public confidence in the industry and broader community.
CEO of Greyhound Racing SA, Mr Matt Corby said, “the tone of the meeting was generally positive and supportive. It was agreed that we work to remove any perceived or actual breaches of animal welfare that may be apparent within the South Australian industry, and that strategies are implemented swiftly with immediate effect”.
The key areas of focus that were identified in the meeting included:
1. Collaboration with the RSPCA
The opportunity for collaboration between Greyhound Racing and external authorities such as the RSPCA and South Australia Police.
2. Amendment to local rules
Amendments to national and local rules of racing in support of animal welfare.
3. Powers to inspect and enter premises
The effectiveness of GRSA’s powers to inspect and enter premises.
4. Surveillance
The sophistication of its surveillance techniques.
5. Authority
The level of authority afforded to GRSA through participant registration and licencing.
6. Transparency
GRSA working holistically with the RSPCA to address key areas of concern, as part of the foreshadowed State-wide dog registration database to improve the transparency of the greyhound breeding industry.
As an immediate action the GRSA has increased the Integrity and Standards department of Greyhound South Australia by:
1. Heightening it’s inspection of registered premises
2. Engaging directly with participants in an effort to identify any potential breaches
3. Implementing aerial drone technology to assist with the monitoring of large properties
4. Engaging with external surveillance consultants to resource for covert operations