GREYHOUND RACING BAN 'IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE'

New Zealand plans to ban greyhound racing over animal welfare concerns

- Maisy Rae

ADVOCATES ARE CALLING FOR ACTION AFTER NEW LAWS PASS

For nearly a century, greyhound racing has been a staple Australian tradition where people meet to punt, drink and socialise.

However, advocates are calling for a crackdown on Australia’s multibilliondollar industry, with concerns over animal welfare and safety.

As founder of a greyhound rescue charity that rehabilitates and rehomes ex-racing dogs, Martina Best says she has seen the lasting impacts of the sport.

“There’s been broken bones that haven’t been mended to the point where they are fused together, amputations, lots of other issues like being underweight, old racing injuries that are not visible,” she tells New Idea.

“But there’s also trauma that is not visible – a greyhound will never go to puppy school, will never have a normal upbringing where it is socialised with children and other dogs. It’s a very sheltered and limited life.

“When they’re adopted, they are reluctant to come into the house, freak out when they see their image in the mirror, flinch when you pick up the broom to clean up.”