Video prompts SA inquiry into greyhound industry
A video showing dogs being kicked and mistreated has prompted the state government to order an inquiry into South Australia’s greyhound racing industry.
A still from video showing greyhounds being kicked and mistreated. Supplied: Ten News
Premier Peter Malinauskas said he had viewed the footage and was angry about it.
It allegedly showed a man kicking and punching the animal.
Malinauskas said the government had previously received assurances from the greyhound racing industry that such behaviour did not occur.
He said he was no longer willing to take such assurances as gospel.
“This strikes me as being animal cruelty at some of its worst,” he said on Wednesday.
“You can’t help but get angry when you see footage like this. It needs a strong response.”
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The premier said he would announce the terms of reference for the inquiry and who would lead the investigation within a month.
He said he continued to believe greyhound racing had a role to play in SA.
“But it’s got to be clean,” he said.
Greyhound Racing SA (GRSA) said it was appalled by the video and stewards had immediately served an inquiry notice and opened an investigation.
Both trainers on the property were suspended ahead of a formal interview.
Animal welfare officers inspected the property on Wednesday and were satisfied with the current welfare of all dogs which will be removed and placed at other training facilities.
GRSA welcomed the calling of an independent inquiry.
“We believe our track record over recent years demonstrates our ability to effectively administer the rules of racing,” it said in a statement.
“But we are always looking for ways to improve in line with our commitments to welfare, transparency and accountability.”
The emergence of the video came after SA’s first confirmed case of live baiting which resulted in life bans for three greyhound trainers last month.
– with AAP